Fireworks are an American Tradition. They can provide hours of wholesome, family entertainment and fun, but must be used by adults only in a careful and safe manner. To insure the safety of both the audience and those lighting the fireworks, we recommend that you follow these safety measure.

1. Children should not handle fireworks
   Never let children handle, play with or light any fireworks. Only adults should handle and light fireworks. The fireworks are great family fun, but they burn hot and are intended to be handled only by adults.
2. Do not use alcohol with fireworks
   Please do not consume alcohol while lighting any fireworks. BE RESPONSIBLE! Fireworks must be used only by individuals who act in a responsible manner and who are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
3. Obey the law
   Follow your local and state laws regarding the possession and use of fireworks, and use common sense when using fireworks. Read all directions, cautions, labels, and warnings on individual firework items to understand the product performance and hazards associated with the use of an item.
4. Light on a hard, level surface
   Always light fireworks on a hard, flat, and level surface to insure the stability of the items. Grass is generally not suitable for any aerial items. If lighting on grass, to be safe, place a flat, wooden board down as a shooting surface.
5. Use in a clear, open area
   Keep the audience (and particularly children) a safe distance away from the shooting site. Always light your fireworks in a clear open area away from building and vehicles. (A minimum clear radius of 30 feet for fountains and other ground-based items and 100 yards for any aerial product is recommended.) You should avoid lighting the fireworks in any area where there is dry grass or brush that could catch fire. Never use fireworks indoors.
6. Keep clear of the fireworks
   Never put your head or any part of your body over the top of any firework product. Never hold a lighted firework item in your hand. Keep as far away from the firework item as possible when lighting.
7. Use care in lighting the fireworks
   Always light fireworks products with punk, a flare, or an extended butane lighting device. This will enable you to keep as far from the product as possible. If needed, use a flashlight at night so the fuse can be easily seen; never use a lantern or other flame producing device near fireworks for illumination. Light the firework product and get away.
8. Light only one at a time
   Light only one firework item at a time.
9. Don’t use malfunctioning items
   Never attempts to re-light, alter or fix any “dud” firework. If an item fails to ignite, stay away from it and let it sit for at least five minutes, then immerse it in water.
10. Have water close by
    Have fire extinguishers accessible, water supply, hose or bucket of water nearby for emergencies.
11. Windy conditions
    Be cautious of lighting any aerial firework during strong wind conditions. The firework should be lit with the prevailing wind blowing away from the spectators. If there is a significant wind shift during the time you are lighting the firework, the shooting site should be rearranged.
12. Use care in handling fireworks
    Do not carry fireworks in your pocket. Always be careful in handling fireworks to prevent dropping them. Never smoke when handling fireworks.
13. Never use fireworks as weapons
    Never aim, point or throw fireworks at another person.
14. Storage of fireworks
    Always store fireworks in a cool, dry place; and dispose of fireworks properly.
15. Use fireworks outdoors
    Never use fireworks indoors; only use them outdoors.
16. Purchase fireworks from reliable dealers
    Buy fireworks only from reliable, licensed fireworks dealers. Licensed and reliable dealers will carry only those products that meet standards.
17. Safety glasses, ear plugs, and other protective gear is recommended for persons handling, or close to fireworks.
    Safety glasses are recommended for those individuals lighting the fireworks and those individuals in close proximity to the fireworks.
18. Be careful with animals
    The noise and lights of the fireworks often frighten some animals, so it is very important that you are careful with pets and farm animals. You may want to consider moving them away from your display area or keeping them indoors during your display. Handle your pets and animals accordingly.

Consumer fireworks are officially referred to as UNO-336 1.4G fireworks. They used to be called Class C or common fireworks. The definitions and standards for the consumer fireworks are found in Title 49 of the code of Federal Regulations. Fireworks are forbidden on all Airplanes.

Safety links:

National Council on Fireworks Safety

Consumer Product Safety Council