A few general words about safety

No matter what the product or activity, safety must always be a consideration because there is always some risk in every product and activity. Safety is more a way of thinking than just some things to do because someone said you should.

We wear seatbelts when we drive, put our kids in car seats in the back, and buy cars with airbags and ABS breaks. We wear helmets when we ride bikes or play football, hockey or baseball. We douse our fires with water and stir the coals. We keep matches, poisons, and other hazardous objects and materials out of the reach of children. We wear eye protection when we use power tools, and do lots of things every day to try to reduce the risks to ourselves, families, coworkers, friends, neighbors and even perfect strangers.

It is no different with fireworks. They can be safely enjoyed or a show performed so long as you keep your cool, use your head, do some research and think things through all the way before you start.

With fireworks there are a number of sources for safety information. Some are very broad, some are very specific and a few downright ridiculous or silly. Here are a few sources on the Web to start with. Also check out the Publishers for books and videos about fireworks safety.

How to Use Consumer Fireworks. My little treatise for Consumer Fireworks and backyard displays.

CPSC Safety Tips. Very basic for consumer fireworks.

NFPA Codes. Very detailed for the manufacture, transportation, storage and use of fireworks. Purchase only.

National Council on Fireworks Safety, Inc. This non-profit group was formed by industry to provide information about fireworks and safety.

The Pyrotechnic Guild International (PGI) Safety Manual. Excellent basics for display operators.

Revised July 17, 1998