Fireworks can complement practically any event or celebration. However, before you or anyone else rushes to purchase a ton of fireworks for an event, it’s important to take numerous things into account. If you want your event to go right, here are some of the preliminary things you need to find out beforehand when it comes to fireworks.
1. Is It Legal or Permissible for You to Use Fireworks at Your Event?
Fireworks aren’t always legal in all places. Some states may have an outright ban on fireworks. Other states may only allow you to legally purchase and use certain types or categories of fireworks. For example, your jurisdiction may allow a fan favorite like roman candles, but might disallow something like artillery shell fireworks.
It’s possible you can get away with using fireworks you’re not supposed to, but you may find yourself on the wrong side of the law. Besides, you wouldn’t want something like law enforcement showing up to mar what would have otherwise been an excellent party or event.
To avoid any potential trouble, make sure you look at your state firework laws. In addition, check if county, town, or other local laws have something to say about fireworks. Even where it’s okay to set off fireworks or light up a full fireworks display, there’s a chance you will have to deal with certain ordinances.
You may also have to deal with the rules set by a property owner separate from the state or local laws. For example, some places may only allow fireworks during certain hours or strictly in specific locations. In addition, the larger the fireworks show you want to put on, the higher the likelihood you will run into stricter laws regarding those fireworks.
Remember that fireworks create light, noise, and pose a danger if not handled with care. So, it makes sense for limitations to exist concerning their use.
2. Do You Need a Permit to Use Fireworks at Your Event?
Some places require you to have a permit to use fireworks. This can vary based on location, but it’s worth checking to see if you need one before committing to a firework show at your event. Equally, some jurisdictions will only allow licensed professionals to use fireworks of a certain caliber.
A distinction will usually occur between the use of consumer grade fireworks and putting on a fireworks display. A permit or license may come up more often if you plan to have a fireworks display. This is less of a case if you’re only using consumer grade fireworks.
3. Where Do You Plan to Purchase Your Fireworks?
You should never purchase fireworks for an event from just anywhere. Whether you plan to buy your fireworks online or at a brick-and-mortar store, make sure you deal with a reputable seller. This will help you avoid the possibility of purchasing illegal or homemade fireworks that can present genuine danger to you, your guests, and even the surrounding property.
When you purchase from a reputable seller, you mitigate a lot of risk. For example, the reputable seller will know how to properly store fireworks and transport them. The seller will also not keep old stock or give you fireworks they know aren’t allowed in your jurisdiction.
You can also ask questions and receive reliable answers concerning fireworks and how to use them safely during your event.
4. Do You Know What to Do If Something Goes Wrong at Your Event?
Before you use fireworks at your party or event, you need to have a safety plan in case something goes wrong. Problems can occur even during professional firework displays, so it’s important you understand what you and others need to do if that happens.
Always keep water close by in case you need to douse a flame or firework that’s still burning. Depending on the size of the area, you may want multiple buckets of water, an easily accessible hose, or any other means of having water immediately available should you need it.
Call 911 or a relevant emergency service immediately if someone suffers an injury from a firework. This applies even if you or the venue have the right medical items on hand to help someone.
For example, if someone receives a burn from a firework, then you should certainly run cool water over it, but you or someone else should also call an emergency service while that’s going on.
Note that none of this should scare you away from using fireworks for your event. If you abide by the law, the rules, and practice common sense safety measures, your fireworks will certainly light up your event in an amazing way.
Just make sure you do your due diligence before purchasing and before using fireworks. Your guests will love that you’re taking their safety to heart just as much as they’ll love seeing the fireworks.