Illegal fireworks are typically named M-80s, M-100s, or quarter sticks. These are fireworks used as dynamites in mining or in battles by the military. They resemble a cardboard coin tube with a fuse in the middle, and are usually red, brown, or silver. The same also goes for military grenades,[5] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms U. S. federal law enforcement agency dealing with crimes related to firearms and alcohol and tobacco products Go to source Never buy fireworks from a friend, or someone placing a public advertisement. Even if the items appear professionally made, they could be illegal or in poor condition. If your area is experiencing severe drought, buying, selling, handling, using pyrotechnics during those conditions is illegal due to wildfire hazards.
Try putting away your fireworks in a cardboard box, above or in a high cabinet, or on a top shelf. Avoid putting your stash of fireworks in direct sun, extreme heat, near electronics or heat sources.
Never handle a firework in your hand for extended periods. This includes the powder part of a sparkler. Heat from your body, static electric charges from clothes can set off the device as well.
A 2005 study found that more than half of all fireworks injuries to children under 5 years of age were caused by sparklers. [7] X Research source
There are tricks for calming dogs and cats.
Misuse of pyrotechnics by not following the safety instructions is in the United States is a felony crime which can lead to arrest and jail time. Many states in the U. S. A. consider any pyrotechnics that shoots in the air illegal. These regulations vary from region to region. Check with your local government authorities and websites.
If you want to enjoy loud fireworks, go to a more remote area to set them off. Never light loud fireworks near a hospital. Premature babies are extremely stressed by loud noises, and their brains cannot handle a surge in blood pressure due to stress. In one case, two premature twins died after a loud night of fireworks. [10] X Research source
If there has been a drought in your region, check with your city government about possible restrictions or prohibitions for setting off fireworks.
If possible read the description of new items performance. Look up the item’s name in a catalog in print or online. This way you’ll at least know what to expect and make better judgments. Many new aerial repeaters now use panoramic/angle shoots that take more space to perform than other traditional ones. The same goes for anything that has aerial spinners or does stunts in the air. Also skyrockets or missiles can make unexpected changes in direction at any time, more often than aerial performers that mostly shoot straight up.
If you are igniting fireworks in the dark, use a headlamp, flashlight, or another non-flammable light source to help you see clearly what you’re lighting.
Never look into a mortar tube. Sometimes wicks burn unevenly and can ignite the shell after a longer-than-usual delay. Don’t approach the mortar or look into the tube for any reason after a shell fails to ignite.
Don’t try to re-ignite any fireworks that don’t go off soon after you light them.
For example, do not try to twist or tie fuses together, or light one rocket or mortar shell just after lighting another.
For example, if the winds are blowing to the north of the launch area, position the spectators to the south of the launch area. Don’t light fireworks during strong winds. If it’s too windy to ignite your lighter, it’s probably too windy to set off fireworks safely.