Firework Safety 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Safe Fireworks

Holidays and festivities may mean fun, but that doesn’t mean you should do away with safety precautions just because. In today’s article, we’ll talk about firework safety and everything you need to know about it. Here’s what to do – and what not to do – when enjoying a nice, stunning fireworks display!

The Dos and Don’ts of Firework Safety

1. Don’t Use Illegal Fireworks

Illegal fireworks are illegal for a reason – and the first rule of firework safety is to never even think of using these.

Laws regarding fireworks can differ from state to state, though there are some fireworks that are illegal all throughout the country.

For instance, highly explosive firecrackers like the silver salute, the cherry bomb, and the cherry bomb’s stronger cousin, the M-80, are illegal across all 50 US states due to the extent of damage that they can bring. Even owning them is prohibited by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BAFT).

In Oklahoma specifically, there are a number of rules surrounding firework usage. Several cities, including Oklahoma City, ban the ownership or usage of all types of fireworks in both public and private properties.

However, it’s possible to get an appropriate permit for a legal fireworks display in some areas and at certain times. Always make sure you check out an updated copy of your local laws first. 

2. Do Use Protective Gear

Fireworks may be breathtakingly beautiful, but you should never underestimate how dangerous they can be. Wearing protective gear like safety glasses and heat-resistant gloves is the bare minimum requirement before starting your fireworks display.

Safety glasses are there to protect your eyes from potential debris, sparks, or bright flashes of light. Our eyes can be quite sensitive, so even the smallest spark can cause serious, life-altering damage. One 19-year study showed that fireworks caused almost 35,000 eye injuries in over 5,000 hospitals across the United States.

On the other hand, gloves can protect your hands from burns and other possible injuries. Fireworks, as the name probably implies, can get pretty hot. Wearing gloves won’t just prevent easily-avoidable burns, but they can also give you a better grip, reducing your chances of dropping them or accidentally setting them off.

3. Don’t Use Fireworks Under the Influence

It’s not unusual to hear people letting loose and having a little fun during the holidays but keep in mind that substances and fireworks are never a good match.

Alcohol and drugs can impair your judgment and coordination, making you more likely to ignore safety precautions and make poor decisions. When combined with explosives, it means you’re also increasing your risk of accidents or injuries.

This is a firework safety no-no that has caused a lot of accidents. In fact, a 2021 report from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission showed that 44% of firework deaths occurred while the victim was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

4. Do Keep Water or a Fire Extinguisher Nearby

Having a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby when setting off fireworks is also another firework safety tip.

We never know when an accident could happen, so it’s nice to have the means to quickly extinguish the fire before it could spread. Not only can this help you prevent damaging nearby property, but it could also prevent injuries and even save lives.

5. Don’t Carry Fireworks in Your Pocket

A group of teenagers from Liverpool, UK placed a lit firework in the jacket pocket of a homeless man in 2018. He pulled it out as soon as he realized it, but it still managed to burn through his clothes, causing several injuries. 

Following firework safety guides means never putting them in your pocket, regardless if they’re lit or not. Instead, place them in a secure container, preferably made from aluminum or plastic.

While it’s true that many fireworks companies have been stepping up their game in terms of firework safety, it’s still important to treat fireworks as the dangerous devices that they can be. After all, they can accidentally go off anytime, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

6. Do Choose a Proper Location

Fireworks can–unsurprisingly–be a cause of fire, so you need to look for a location away from flammable materials when igniting one.

Choose a wide-open, clear area that’s at least a few meters away from vehicles, buildings, trees, or any other flammable items.

Additionally, make sure you light the firework on a non-flammable surface, ideally on dirt or concrete. There shouldn’t be any dry grass around or other materials that could catch fire and potentially spread it.

7. Don’t Point Fireworks Recklessly

As mentioned above, fireworks can always get accidentally set off. It’s a no-brainer that you should never point them haphazardly, be it at people, animals, or even property.

Don’t forget that misdirected fireworks can lead to accidents, including burns, eye injuries, and, of course, fires.

8. Do Keep A Safe Distance 

Make sure you’re not standing too close to a fireworks display, even if you have the proper safety gear on.

For fireworks that are lit on the ground, we recommend staying at least 30 feet away. For aerial fireworks, this amount goes up to 150 feet.

Maintaining this distance ensures that you can quickly run to safety if something goes wrong.

9. Don’t Try To Relight a Failed Firework

Nobody wants to waste money on a firework that fails to go off, but it’s always better to lose your money on a dud than to lose a finger – or three.

In January 2023, a teenager from Florida had to get his thumb, index, and middle fingers amputated after a firework accident. He picked up a dud firework hoping to light it again only for it to go off while it was still in his hand.

One firework safety tip that some people–particularly teens–seem to forget is to never relight a dud firework. Always wait at least 20 minutes before approaching it and then pour water over it before picking it up and throwing it away.

10. Do Dispose of Fireworks Properly

You should never ever try disposing of fireworks right after they’ve set off. They may not be duds, but they could still let out a spark or even burn you.

Make it a habit to wait for 20 minutes, allowing them to cool down completely. If you want to be sure, you can also douse them in water.

Also, don’t throw fireworks in recycling cans because they might burn recyclable materials. Instead, they should be disposed of in metal trash cans that contain no flammable garbage.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let potential accidents and hazards dull the magic of a good fireworks display! Always remember these firework safety tips so that your celebration can be memorable for all the right reasons.

For more information about safe fireworks and fireworks display, check out the Missile Fireworks blog!