If you’re planning to enjoy your own fireworks display this summer, whether for the Fourth of July, a special event like a wedding or birthday party, or just for a fun weekend occasion, it’s important to do so carefully.
Here are some top dos and don’ts to remember next time you buy and use fireworks yourself.
Top Dos
When it comes to things you should do when dealing with fireworks, start by buying from trusted sellers. This doesn’t mean you can only go to the store that has been in your suburb for years. Keep in mind that there is a lot of variety online, too. You can shop for rocket fireworks, mortars, cakes, Roman candles, and every other type of product online and often enjoy a much greater range to choose from at a better price.
Or, be on the lookout for pop-up stores that are only around during key firework seasons or places a little out of town that you know many people have bought from over the years with excellent results. Another “do” to keep in mind is to ask experts for assistance. Those who sell fireworks day in and day out should have a good understanding of the different types of products on offer and when each is best used.
It’s wise, too, to set yourself a budget right from the start so you don’t end up going overboard and spending more money than you can afford to on a display. Retail store managers and shop assistants can help you select a range of fireworks to suit your particular budget, or you can search by price when shopping online.
Also, do be sure to keep on the lookout for great deals on fireworks. You might see coupons in your local paper you can use at nearby stores, or you could sign up for retailer newsletters and follow them on social media to find out when they’re having sales or offering other good deals.
Other “dos” include knowing the laws about fireworks usage in your area so you don’t get fined, storing and disposing of fireworks properly, and having a safety plan whenever you use these products to minimize the risks of people, pets, and property getting hurt or damaged. Keep a first-aid kit on hand, wear safety glasses and gloves, and keep water nearby in case you have to extinguish spent fireworks or any fires that erupt.
Top Don’ts
As for the “don’ts” to avoid, one big one is not to reuse duds. Some fireworks will, unfortunately, not light the first time you try to set them off or won’t work correctly in some other way. Don’t keep trying to get them to light or do what you want; this is a recipe for danger, and they could go off in your hands or cause other problems. Stow away a dud on the night and then safely dispose of it later so no harm can occur to anyone or thing.
Another tip is don’t let pets or kids get too near to fireworks. You need to set up a safety perimeter and ensure that pets and children are well supervised and kept far away from this perimeter. Regarding pets, unless you know they’re okay with the noise of fireworks, it’s best to keep them safely inside your home or get them looked after by someone else, or otherwise kept safe. Many animals, especially dogs, get spooked by fireworks and try to run away, leading to them being lost, injured, or worse.
Also, don’t ever use drugs or alcohol when you’re setting off fireworks. Although you might feel clear-headed when you’ve had a few drinks or imbibed some weed or other drugs, the reality is that your reflexes are sure to be slower than usual, and you probably won’t be moving as carefully or using your hands as well, either. Your thinking may be quite affected, too.
Furthermore, don’t use homemade fireworks, as these can be incredibly dangerous, and don’t let fireworks off in any area that’s too close to houses, other structures, wooded areas, or other flammable zones. Never point fireworks toward people, pets, things, etc., and don’t try to light more than one firework at a time.
If you follow all these dos and don’ts when you next decide to purchase fireworks and use them, you should have a much better night and find that the display is a resounding success all around.