Fireworks safety comes down to five habits. Read every label before you light anything, set up in a flat, open outdoor area away from buildings and dry grass, and keep water or a fire extinguisher within reach. Adults should do the lighting, and kids should watch from a safe distance. If a firework fails to go off, never relight it. Wait, soak it in water, and throw it away.
FIREWORKS ARE FUN.
SAFETY KEEPS THEM FUN.
A great celebration is not just about what you light.
It is about how you plan, where you set up, who supervises, and how you clean up afterward.
Fireworks are fun and an essential part of our celebrations, but they can also be dangerous if not handled properly.
So we’ve put together some useful guideline to make sure Follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable fireworks experience.
Read Every Label
Every firework is different. Read and follow the label directions before lighting any item.
Use Open Outdoor Space
Choose a flat, open outdoor area away from buildings, vehicles, dry grass, trees, and overhead obstructions.
Keep Water Nearby
Keep water, a hose, or a fire extinguisher nearby in case you need it.
Supervise Children
Children should never handle fireworks without adult supervision. Even sparklers burn hot and require caution.
Never Modify Fireworks
Do not alter, combine, relight, or attempt to rebuild fireworks. Delusional Don in the basement is not the role model here.
Dispose Properly
After fireworks have cooled, follow local disposal guidance. When in doubt, soak spent items before disposal.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the most important fireworks safety tip?
Read and follow the label on every single item, every time. Labels tell you the safe distance, the direction the effect travels, and whether the item belongs on the ground or in a tube. Most fireworks injuries come from using a product in a way its label warns against. If you only build one habit, build this one, because it prevents the mistakes behind almost every accident.
Should kids use fireworks?
Children should never light fireworks, and adults should handle all lighting. Kids can watch, help pick out products at the store, and hold items like glow sticks while the show runs. Even sparklers need close adult supervision, because a sparkler burns hot enough to cause a serious burn in seconds. Set a clear line where kids stand, and keep them behind it until the show is over.
What should I do with a dud firework?
Never relight a dud and never pick it up right away. Wait at least 20 to 30 minutes, since a failed firework can still ignite late. Then soak it thoroughly in a bucket of water, ideally overnight, and dispose of it following the manufacturer’s instructions and your local guidance. At Snap Crackle & Boom, our No-Dud Guarantee also lets you send us a photo or video of a product that did not fire for a replacement or store credit.
Should I keep water nearby when shooting fireworks?
Yes, every time, with no exceptions. Keep a connected garden hose, a bucket of water, or a fire extinguisher within a few steps of your shooting area. Water is your first response for a grass fire, a smoldering cake, and spent items that are still hot. Before you leave, wet down all used fireworks and the ground around your setup, even if everything looks cold.
How far away should spectators be from fireworks?
Give aerial items real room. For most backyard shows, spectators should be at least 50 to 75 feet back from cakes and shells, and farther for the largest items. Check the label on each product, because it lists the clearance that item needs. Set up on flat, open ground away from houses, vehicles, trees, and dry grass, and never let anyone stand in front of or over a loaded device.
