How to Buy Fireworks, and Use Them Safely

This Independence Day, like many others, you may be celebrating the occasion by setting off fireworks. When purchased and used safely and intelligently, fireworks can be a wonderful source of enjoyment and excitement. Follow some basic rules, so you don't end a holiday with a fine, arrest, or trip to the hospital!

First, and foremost: If fireworks are entirely illegal where you live, don't buy or set them off! Instead of risking trouble with the law, spend the money on a cookout or trip, and watch a professional fireworks show for free!

If fireworks are allowed where you live, the first aspect to consider is cost. Only purchase fireworks from a licensed and regulated fireworks store. These will be prominently marked as such. It is extremely easy, wandering the isles of a fireworks shop, to rack up a hefty purchase. For an entire evening of enjoyment, fireworks can easily cost $500 (or more!) By following some simple recommendations, you can enjoy fireworks without breaking the bank. Avoid purchasing any kind of oversized "mortar" firework. Mortar fireworks look like large, fat cardboard tubes, mounted vertically on a base that sits on the ground. Not only are these some of the more dangerous fireworks, they are also extremely expensive. For the price you pay, you will only get 30 seconds (at most) of fireworks display. Not very economical!

Likewise, avoid purchasing firecrackers. While they make a very satisfying amount of noise and smoke, that's all they can do, and many fireworks injuries stem from accidents with firecrackers. Bottle rockets are also not a good idea, as they again don't have any flashy display other than noise, and are responsible for a great deal of injuries and accidental fires. Save your money for items that do more than just explode and make noise.

Instead, ask the clerk to show you these fireworks: Roman candles, Saturn missiles, whistlers, and sparklers. Most of these items can be purchased in large cases or sets, which is far more economical. Roman candles, Saturn missiles, and whistlers are loud, brightly colored, and easy to use, while sparklers are a safe and fun firework for children.

This leads to the second and most important consideration: safety. As stated before, comply with all local laws on fireworks. Some places set aside special areas where fireworks may be set off, while other places don't allow them at all or allow them to be set off on private property. Never use fireworks inside any building, and never alter or combine fireworks before setting them off.

Always be considerate of other people. Don't shoot fireworks into someone else's property, or leave fireworks trash behind. If you live in a dry climate, pay special attention to fire warnings! You can get into immense trouble if your fireworks cause a forest fire. Always have a good hose or fire extinguisher handy when using fireworks. You may also wish to consider purchasing some Nomex clothing. Nomex is a flame retardant material that is used in firefighter, military pilot, and race car driver uniforms, and it is available in pants and shirts form.

Children should only handle or use sparklers, and only with direct adult supervision. Show them a special area they may watch the larger fireworks from, and make sure they understand why they must stay there while the fireworks are being set off. As for the adults, drinking alcohol and setting off fireworks is a bad combination, just like drinking and driving. It is important to have designated fireworks people, who don't drink alcohol while doing so.

By following these simple rules, you can have a safe and economical Independence Day celebration with your favorite fireworks!