Blast Safely!
The best shows end with big smiles and all ten fingers. Here's everything you need to light up the sky the smart way — from setup to cleanup.
Before You Light
A great show starts before the first fuse.
Buy From a Trusted Store
Only use legal consumer fireworks with a printed label and instructions. Never use homemade, altered or unlabeled fireworks.
Pick the Right Spot
Choose a flat, hard, open area away from houses, cars, trees, power lines and dry grass.
- Set cakes and fountains on a flat board or pavement so they can't tip.
- Check the wind — shoot with the wind blowing away from the crowd.
Water on Standby
Keep a garden hose, a full bucket of water, or a fire extinguisher within reach before you light anything.
Know the Rules
Fireworks laws change by state, county and city — and burn bans can pop up in dry weather. Check before you celebrate.
Lighting Up
The golden rules of the person holding the lighter.
Adults Only
A sober adult does the lighting. Kids watch from the safe zone — never let children light or handle fireworks.
No Drinking & Lighting
The person lighting fireworks should stay completely alcohol-free. Save the toast for after the finale.
One at a Time
Light one item at a time using a long lighter or punk. Never lean over the top of a firework — keep your body to the side.
Light & Back Away
Once the fuse catches, walk away quickly to a safe distance and enjoy the show. Never try to relight or fix a firework mid-show.
Important Warning
Do not hold fireworks in your hands or set them off from your head. There have been tragic deaths and serious injuries from doing this. Please practice safety at all times.
Safe Viewing Distances
How far your audience should be from the launch spot.
These are general guidelines. Always follow the distance printed on each product's label — if it says more, go with the label.
Duds & Misfires
When something doesn't go off, patience wins.
Wait It Out
Wait at least 15–20 minutes before going near a firework that didn't go off. Some fuses burn slowly.
Soak It
Drop the dud into a bucket of water and let it soak. Never relight a dud or try to take it apart.
After the Show
Leave it cleaner than you found it.
Soak & Clean Up
Pick up all debris. Soak used fireworks in water overnight before throwing them in the trash.
Pets Stay Inside
Loud booms scare pets. Keep them indoors in a quiet room until the show and cleanup are completely done.
Be a Good Neighbor
Respect neighbors, veterans, pets and local quiet hours. A heads-up to the folks next door goes a long way.
If Something Goes Wrong
Stay calm and act fast.
Emergency? Call 911 Now
Don't wait and don't try to handle it alone. Call 911 right away if any of these happen:
- A fire starts that you can't put out in seconds — grass, a roof, a car, anything
- Someone has a serious burn, an eye injury, or an injury to the hands or face
- Someone is unconscious, bleeding heavily, or having trouble breathing
- A firework lands on or inside a building
Get everyone away from the area, tell the dispatcher your exact address, and stay on the line.
Burns
Cool the burn with clean, cool running water. Cover it lightly with a clean dressing and get medical help for anything serious.
Fire
Call 911 right away. Use water or an extinguisher only if it's safe to do so.
Sparklers Are Hot!
Sparklers burn at around 2,000°F — hotter than a blowtorch. Supervise kids closely and drop finished sparklers into water.
Your Backyard Safety Kit
Grab these before the sun goes down.
Never Buy Fireworks From the Back of a Car
Many outdated fireworks are pushed on the streets at discounts — they're dangerous and unreliable. Please report this type of crime immediately.
Our Commitment
Artillery World only carries the highest quality, safety-inspected consumer fireworks. Quality and safety are always our top priority.
Have a safe and happy celebration from all of us at Artillery World!