I greatly enjoy fireworks and have enjoyed holding mini-shows hither and yon. But as dry as it's been almost everywhere, I'd encourage anyone interested in fireworks to go to a public display. Safer, and usually more spectacular, than you can do at home. But if you insist on doing fireworks at home:
- Don't mix fireworks and alcohol. Period. Whoever has the torch is sober.
- Professional ("Class B", 1.3) fireworks are illegal for non-pros for reasons. Training. Knowledge of safe practices.
- Don't mix fireworks and kids. See it all the time, kids pointing "morning glory mini-fountains" at other kids. They. Don't. Understand. Consequences.
- Don't...sparklers. Period. They are the #1 fireworks injury every July 4. Burns. They. Don't. Understand.
- A propane torch is a much more certain, faster way to light fireworks. You aren't surprised when it finally lights...which it will, pretty quickly. You know you'll have to get out of the way in a half-second.
- Placing "cakes" (show-in-a-box) in a bed of sand, and working them in an inch or so, is a very good precaution. Likewise with fountains and aerial shells. That mortar is probably not terribly stable.
- Finally...ten words that would reduce fireworks accidents by over 90%: Do. Not. Hold. In. Hand. Light. Fuse. Get. Away. Quickly.