Please do not consume any alcohol while lighting any fireworks. Fireworks must be used only by individuals who act in a responsible manner and who are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you are impaired when you use fireworks, you increase the possibilities of misuse and injury.

Follow your local and state laws regarding the possession and use of fireworks, and use good common sense when using fireworks. Read all directions, cautions, labels and warnings on each individual firework item to understand the product performance and hazards associated with the use of the item. If your state has shooters’ sites, use them. Use only those fireworks permitted under the laws of the state in which you are using the fireworks.

Always light fireworks on a hard, flat and level surface to insure the stability of the items. Grass is generally not suitable for any item intended to be used in an upright position. (If lighting fireworks on grass, lay down a flat wooden board for a shooting surface.)

Always light fireworks products with an igniter stick, a flare or an extended butane lighting device. This will enable you to keep as far from the firework item as possible. Always light only one firework item at a time. 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 fireworks product and get away quickly. Respect the fireworks, because used improperly, they can be dangerous.

Never attempt to re-light, alter or fix any “dud” firework item. If a firework item fails to ignite, let it stand for at least five minutes, then immerse in water. Dispose of the item properly.

Never put your head or any part of your body over the top of any fireworks product. Never look into a tube to check on the firework item. Never hold a lighted firework item in your hand. Keep as far from the firework item as possible when lighting.

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 buildings, vehicles and shrubbery. 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 or near any flammable items. Never use fireworks indoors. Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

Buy fireworks only from reliable, licensed fireworks dealers. Licensed and reliable dealers will only carry those products that meet standards as set and enforced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Do not use illegal explosives; do not alter any firework device; do not make your own fireworks.

Be cautious of lighting any fireworks during strong wind conditions. The fireworks 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 fireworks, the shooting site should be rearranged to accommodate the wind shift or the shooting should be stopped.

Do not carry fireworks in your pocket. Always be careful in handling fireworks to prevent dropping them. Never smoke when handling fireworks. Always store fireworks in a cool, dry place and dispose of fireworks properly.

It is a violation of federal law to transport any firework device on an airplane. Please respect this law and do not attempt to carry any fireworks onto an airplane or transport them in your luggage. Fireworks are a regulated commodity under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR parts 171-180) and are forbidden to be carried in carry-on and checked baggage. An individual that violates these regulations is subject to be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $75,000 for each violation. In cases involving death, serious illness, or severe injury to any person or substantial destruction of property, a civil penalty may be increased to $175,000 for each violation. Criminal charges may also be imposed including imprisonment of up to 10 years.