How to Safely Light Fireworks

Here are guidelines for learning how to safely light fireworks. 

Stick to a few essential rules like never allowing children to play with fireworks. Read and follow all warnings and instructions and be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Strictly light fireworks only on smooth and flat surfaces that are away from all flammable material. Never ever relight fireworks that have not fully ignited.

Have a bucket of water close by in case of a malfunction or fire. Keep in mind that viewing should be limited to one side only for the fireworks display. It's not advisable to watch from all sides since it will be difficult to monitor everybody if they are all over the place. It's hard to keep an eye on all participants if the display is surrounded. Observe the following tips and guidelines when around fireworks:

1. Place fireworks on hard flat surfaces with nothing flammable around. Avoid areas with dry leaves and foliage as they are especially dangerous; concrete or a well-watered, green lawn is best.
2. Ensure that a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle is ready at hand. Keep the hose running so that you only have to instantly douse any wayward fires by the press of the nozzle
3. You need to prepare the flat surface for lighting fireworks on the lawn by placing a broad wooden plank on the grass. For added safety, soak the wood in water before using it to launch fireworks from.
4. You need to organize the fireworks setting. It would be good to place fireworks at least six inches from each other on the wooden plank. Also, plan the order of your fireworks launch to ensure that you only light one firework at a time.
5. Only one person should light the display. That person should not be drinking alcohol before or during the show and should preferably be an adult.
6. If a firework doesn't light, or doesn't work after the fuse burns all the way down, it's called a dud. Wait at least 20 minutes after lighting the fuse and then place the dud into the bucket of water.
7. Wait until each firework is finished before lighting the next.
8. Sparklers should only be handled by kids older than 12.
9. Make sure that people with lit sparklers stay at least 10 feet apart.
10. Put all used sparklers in the water bucket.
11. After all the fireworks have been lit and all used fireworks and duds have soaked for at least 10 minutes, discard the fireworks in an outside trashcan.

Remember to never smoke around fireworks or light fireworks on windy days. Wear cotton clothing to light fireworks. Synthetic fibers tend to melt onto skin, while cotton does not burn easily. Using long-tipped lighters is effective in safeguarding your body in case of accidents. Keep the viewing area at least 15 feet from the display.