The information contained in this presentation is solely intended to provide an education on fireworks safety

Safe-N-Sane items do not have projectiles, & do not leave the ground. Some items in this category are sparklers, ground blooms & spinners, fountains & wheels, novelty items, & smoke. Cakes, shells, rockets, mines, comets, flyers are NOT considered Safe-N-Sane. These devices fly into the air, or shoot a projectile into the air. Safe-N-Sane items do not have projectiles, & do not leave the ground. Some items in this category are sparklers, ground blooms & spinners, fountains & wheels, novelty items, & smoke. Cakes, shells, rockets, mines, comets, flyers are NOT considered Safe-N-Sane. These devices fly into the air, or shoot a projectile into the air.

Fireworks, when used properly, can be very enjoyable. Attention to safety is the key. Most fireworks injuries are directly related to a lack of adult supervision. Safety gear for the eyes, hands, & head will substantially reduce the risk of injury. Follow the safety rules, & NEVER misuse a firework. ALWAYS follow the manufacturers directions! Fireworks, when used properly, can be very enjoyable. Attention to safety is the key. Most fireworks injuries are directly related to a lack of adult supervision. Safety gear for the eyes, hands, & head will substantially reduce the risk of injury. Follow the safety rules, & NEVER misuse a firework. ALWAYS follow the manufacturers directions!

Firecrackers, Sparklers, & Rockets account for the highest percentage of fireworks injuries. More than ½ of all fireworks injuries are burns. Sparklers burn at over 1000 degrees. Rockets can fly erratically, posing a significant threat to spectators. Firecrackers are the most commonly misused firework, & accounted for 24% of Emergency Room visits in 2003 Firecrackers, Sparklers, & Rockets account for the highest percentage of fireworks injuries. More than ½ of all fireworks injuries are burns. Sparklers burn at over 1000 degrees. Rockets can fly erratically, posing a significant threat to spectators. Firecrackers are the most commonly misused firework, & accounted for 24% of Emergency Room visits in 2003

Never mix alcohol or drugs with fireworks! Never mix alcohol or drugs with fireworks!

Never use PVC &/or glass to launch shells. PVC/Glass material will turn into shrapnel in the event of an accident. Only use HDPE(High-Density Poly Ethylene), Fiberglass, or the supplied cardboard tube. Cakes must be braced or glued/taped to a board to prevent accidental tipping. Never use PVC &/or glass to launch shells. PVC/Glass material will turn into shrapnel in the event of an accident. Only use HDPE(High-Density Poly Ethylene), Fiberglass, or the supplied cardboard tube. Cakes must be braced or glued/taped to a board to prevent accidental tipping.

A fountain sprays showers of sparks, reaching as high as feet. There are many different sizes, shapes, & styles of fountains. Fountain effects include colors, crackling, chrysanthemums, whistles, & much more. Fountains are an excellent replacement for sparklers, as they provide a much more vivid shower of sparks while allowing your child to be a safe distance away. Never shoot fountains sideways, or upside down! Back Safety

Back A cake is a multi-shot aerial device, usually containing from 9 to 36 shots. Some cakes have up to 300 & more shots. Cakes come in 3 sizes…200 gram, 350 gram, & 500 gram. The numbers represent the maximum amount of pyrotechnic compound, with 500 gram cakes being the largest. Cake’s have a very large variety of effects, from simple stars, to very large brocades, willows, & peonies. Safety

Back Shells are aerial devices which are shot from a mortar tube. Shell kits come with tubes to shoot from. Kits generally have 6 or 12 shells, with larger kits having 48 or more. Usually, each kit will have 1 tube for every 6 shells. Tubes are designed to be used ONLY for the amount of shells in that kit. Tubes should be visually inspected before use. If damage is detected, do not use! Safety

Sparklers emit small showers of sparks. There are 2 types of sparkler. Metal rod & wooden stick. This device is often mistaken as safe for young children. No firework is safe for children. Sparklers burn at over 1000 degrees. Small fragments from the sparks can invade the eyes. To use safely, wear eye protection, hand protection, tie back hair & cover with cotton cap, with an adult holding the sparkler at all times. Back

Rockets are aerial devices. Rockets come in 2 styles…stick & plastic body. The most popular is the bottle rocket, which usually whistles with a report. Many different effects can be found in this style of device. Rockets can fly errantly. To use safely, there must be at least 125 feet separating the device from any spectator, building, or dry grass/brush. Back Safety

A mine emits a single shower of sparks high in the air. This type of device comes in either a single-shot tube, or a reloadable shell. Several cakes have mine shots, as well. Comets are trails of sparks shot into the air as a pearl, with a thick tail. Comets are found in cakes, & as tails on some shells. Effects include colors, crackling, & glitter. A mine emits a single shower of sparks high in the air. This type of device comes in either a single-shot tube, or a reloadable shell. Several cakes have mine shots, as well. Comets are trails of sparks shot into the air as a pearl, with a thick tail. Comets are found in cakes, & as tails on some shells. Effects include colors, crackling, & glitter. Back

Wheels are fountain-like devices that are attached to a wooden pole or other stable surface by a nail. Wheels spin & give off showers of sparks, in many different varieties. Smoke devices emit thick clouds of colored or grey smoke. Novelty devices include tanks, cars, snap pops, & many others. These devices do not fire projectiles, & are included in the Safe-N-Sane products. Remember, just because it looks harmless does not mean it is okay for use by an unsupervised child. Only an adult should ever light any type of firework. Wheels are fountain-like devices that are attached to a wooden pole or other stable surface by a nail. Wheels spin & give off showers of sparks, in many different varieties. Smoke devices emit thick clouds of colored or grey smoke. Novelty devices include tanks, cars, snap pops, & many others. These devices do not fire projectiles, & are included in the Safe-N-Sane products. Remember, just because it looks harmless does not mean it is okay for use by an unsupervised child. Only an adult should ever light any type of firework. Back

The CPSC, or Consumer Product Safety Commission, is the government agency in charge of inspecting & approving consumer class fireworks in America. The CPSC inspects & reports on many types of consumer products, from bicycles to washing machines to fireworks. The CPSC also inspects fireworks dealers’ inventory’s for illegal or mislabeled fireworks. Back

Hello- My name is Larry Wood. I have over 20 years experience with consumer fireworks. The information provided here has been gained through personal experience, as well as shared knowledge from the great people at Pyro Universe on the web. I love fireworks, & through my experience I have learned to also respect them. Following the advice in this presentation does not guarantee you will be safe using fireworks. Taking precautions will reduce the odds of injury. You must be responsible for every person, building, & area in which you are shooting. Before you light any type of firework, know what it’s supposed to do, & only use it in that manner. Stay safe- Larry Wood Hello- My name is Larry Wood. I have over 20 years experience with consumer fireworks. The information provided here has been gained through personal experience, as well as shared knowledge from the great people at Pyro Universe on the web. I love fireworks, & through my experience I have learned to also respect them. Following the advice in this presentation does not guarantee you will be safe using fireworks. Taking precautions will reduce the odds of injury. You must be responsible for every person, building, & area in which you are shooting. Before you light any type of firework, know what it’s supposed to do, & only use it in that manner. Stay safe- Larry Wood

The rules listed on the following pages have been acquired through both personal & shared experiences. Consider these rules seriously, as each has a story behind it that caused the rule. 1.Know what the device is supposed to do. 2.Only use the device in the way it was intended, per the manufacturer’s directions. 3.Never place any part of your body over a firework device. You must “lean in” to light safely. 1.Know what the device is supposed to do. 2.Only use the device in the way it was intended, per the manufacturer’s directions. 3.Never place any part of your body over a firework device. You must “lean in” to light safely.

4. Fireworks are for adult use, or close adult supervision. 5. You must have enough room to be safe. 50 feet for Safe-N-Sane items 125 feet (minimum) for aerial fireworks Aerial devices have debris which will fall back to earth, sometimes with burning embers. Be safe. 4. Fireworks are for adult use, or close adult supervision. 5. You must have enough room to be safe. 50 feet for Safe-N-Sane items 125 feet (minimum) for aerial fireworks Aerial devices have debris which will fall back to earth, sometimes with burning embers. Be safe.

6. You must always secure cakes to prevent tip-overs. Taping/gluing cakes to a board is the preferred method. 7. Shell tubes should be secured either by screwing the base to a board, or buried ¾ deep in dry sand. 8. Running water in a hose, or water-based fire extinguisher must be on hand & ready. 9. Never try to re-light a firework. 6. You must always secure cakes to prevent tip-overs. Taping/gluing cakes to a board is the preferred method. 7. Shell tubes should be secured either by screwing the base to a board, or buried ¾ deep in dry sand. 8. Running water in a hose, or water-based fire extinguisher must be on hand & ready. 9. Never try to re-light a firework.

10. Safety gear for the eyes, hands, & head/face MUST be worn by anyone lighting a firework. No exceptions! 10. Safety gear for the eyes, hands, & head/face MUST be worn by anyone lighting a firework. No exceptions! You should have a flashlight, roll of duct tape, plastic tarp (weather), 5-gallon bucket of water, & utility knife in the shooting zone. Shooters, in safety gear only, in the shooting area. Spectators should keep safe distances per the rules. This includes the setup! You should have a flashlight, roll of duct tape, plastic tarp (weather), 5-gallon bucket of water, & utility knife in the shooting zone. Shooters, in safety gear only, in the shooting area. Spectators should keep safe distances per the rules. This includes the setup!

Please be responsible & courteous. Fireworks disturb most animals, & there are some people who do not like fireworks at all. Following these rules, & using a little neighborly goodwill will result in fewer injuries & complaints. Keeping fireworks legal in Indiana depends on your cooperation.

A hangfire occurs when the fuse stops burning, but remains smoldering, ready to re-ignite at any moment. If you light a device & the fuse begins burning then stops for any reason, you MUST assume the fuse is still smoldering on the inside, & may ignite unexpectedly. Back

Wait at least an hour to see if the shell fires off on it's own. After waiting the hour, fill the mortar with water so it just covers the top of the shell. Let the shell soak for at least an additional hour. This is where your 5 gallon bucket of water comes in. Carefully lift the mortar, making sure to never place any part of your body over the mortar. Dump the dud shell into the 5 gallon bucket of water. Soak the shell until it comes apart - paper can be thrown away and the water can be used as a fertilizer in a garden. Throw the mortar away. For cake hangfires, the only change is to thoroughly wet the device where it sits, then wait the hour before proceeding to the remaining steps. Wait at least an hour to see if the shell fires off on it's own. After waiting the hour, fill the mortar with water so it just covers the top of the shell. Let the shell soak for at least an additional hour. This is where your 5 gallon bucket of water comes in. Carefully lift the mortar, making sure to never place any part of your body over the mortar. Dump the dud shell into the 5 gallon bucket of water. Soak the shell until it comes apart - paper can be thrown away and the water can be used as a fertilizer in a garden. Throw the mortar away. For cake hangfires, the only change is to thoroughly wet the device where it sits, then wait the hour before proceeding to the remaining steps. Back

Roman Candles are aerial devices that shoot colored pearls into the air. Candles come in a wide variety of effects. DO NOT hold this firework in your hand! Significant injury could occur if the device were to breach the tube. Tape the candle to a wooden stake or metal pipe that is secured in the ground. Back

Spinner devices spin on the ground & emit showers of sparks. Flyers have wings, & begin spinning on the ground, then fly upwards emitting showers of sparks. Flyers are labeled “this side up”. Flying devices have debris which will fall back to earth. You must follow the distance guidelines for aerial devices. Back

If your 1 st shell is a hangfire, you are in a dangerous situation. DO NOT attempt to avoid the safety rules just to fire a few shells. The rules are designed to keep you safe. Simply put, shells & mortars carry the largest safety measures for a reason. This type of firework can be deadly if mishandled. Read & understand the directions for clearing a hangfire. If you feel this is too much, then don’t buy this type of device. Don’t become a statistic. If your 1 st shell is a hangfire, you are in a dangerous situation. DO NOT attempt to avoid the safety rules just to fire a few shells. The rules are designed to keep you safe. Simply put, shells & mortars carry the largest safety measures for a reason. This type of firework can be deadly if mishandled. Read & understand the directions for clearing a hangfire. If you feel this is too much, then don’t buy this type of device. Don’t become a statistic.

Fountains should be taped or glued to a board. Ideally, the board will be set up off the ground. The surface must be stable. Sparks from a fountain can ignite dry grass/bushes. Wet the area with a hose before using a fountain. Follow the safety rules of 50 feet between the device & any spectator, building, dry grass/bushes, & any other flammable object. A super soaker squirt gun is a great tool for keeping ground wet, & putting out any small flame-ups. Running water in a hose is the preferred choice. Fountains should be taped or glued to a board. Ideally, the board will be set up off the ground. The surface must be stable. Sparks from a fountain can ignite dry grass/bushes. Wet the area with a hose before using a fountain. Follow the safety rules of 50 feet between the device & any spectator, building, dry grass/bushes, & any other flammable object. A super soaker squirt gun is a great tool for keeping ground wet, & putting out any small flame-ups. Running water in a hose is the preferred choice. Back

Cakes must be taped or glued to a board before firing to prevent tip-overs. Round cakes pose the most significant risk of tip-over. Use caution. Never place any part of your body over any firework. Cakes can fail due to hangfires, as well as breaching the tubes through the side. Again, use caution. You must have 120 feet of clearance from spectators, dry grass/bushes, buildings, etc., to shoot safely. Pay attention to the wind direction. You do not want the fallout debris landing on your spectators. Back

The shooter must strictly follow the rules when shooting shells. The mortar tube should be screwed down gently to a large board. Do not crack the base! Unwrap the fuse from the shell, & suspend the shell by the top of the fuse. Slowly lower the shell into the mortar, making sure the shell slides smoothly. Make sure the shell is on the bottom. Use a torch, grill lighter, or large punk to light the fuse. Fuse will spark! Get away from the tube. Never, ever, place any part of your body over a mortar tube. Follow the 120’ rule, as with any aerial device. Dangers Back

Rockets should be fired from a thick metal pipe, or V- shaped trough. Pipe or trough should be pounded into ground until stable. Place only the rocket stick into pipe or trough. Allow the rocket to rest on the lip, with the fuse hanging out. Light fuse & get away. Again, rockets can fly errantly. Maintain the 125’ rule for all aerial devices. Severe injury may occur if this rule is ignored. Rockets should be fired from a thick metal pipe, or V- shaped trough. Pipe or trough should be pounded into ground until stable. Place only the rocket stick into pipe or trough. Allow the rocket to rest on the lip, with the fuse hanging out. Light fuse & get away. Again, rockets can fly errantly. Maintain the 125’ rule for all aerial devices. Severe injury may occur if this rule is ignored. Back