Safe July 4th Celebrations with Store-Bought Fireworks

Summer is approaching, and so is the Fourth of July. If you have been considering a fantastic fireworks display as part of your celebration, Uncle Sam's Fireworks, and it's family of stores -- Chicago Fireworks, Dynamite Fireworks, and Black Bull Fireworks -- are here for all your Firework needs. We also offer convenient online shopping at Fireworkstore.com, where we have a large selection of FREE SHIPPING FIREWORKS and we also offer FREE SHIPPING on orders over $500.

Here’s how to plan a memorable firework display and enjoy your 4th of July with your family.

Quality Fireworks

Buying fireworks from a legal and licensed business such as the Chicago Fireworks Family of stores gives you a piece of mind that you are purchasing quality products. While we guarantee our products once in a while a dud falls through the cracks. Never attempt to  relight a dud. Wait at least 20 minutes, then soak the item in a bucket of water overnight before safe disposal.

Know Your Local Laws

Fireworks regulations vary widely by state, county, and even city, so check what's legal in your area before purchasing anything. Some jurisdictions only permit "safe and sane" fireworks like sparklers and fountains, while others ban consumer fireworks entirely. Buying from a licensed, reputable retailer also helps ensure the products meet federal safety standards.

Choose the Right Outdoor Location

Always have a bucket of water, a garden hose, and ideally a fire extinguisher within arm's reach before lighting anything. Wear safety glasses when igniting fireworks, and tie back long hair and avoid loose clothing that could catch a stray spark. Used fireworks should be soaked in water for several hours before being thrown away to prevent trash fires.

Keep Water and Safety Gear Close By

Set up your fireworks display on a flat, hard surface like a driveway or paved area, well away from houses, dry grass, trees, and anything flammable. Keep a clear "launch zone" of at least 30 feet for ground-based fireworks and much more for aerial ones. Never use fireworks indoors, on a deck, or anywhere with overhead obstructions.

Light Them Properly — One at a Time

Place each firework on a stable surface, light the fuse with a long-handled lighter or punk, and back away quickly to a safe distance. Never hold a lit firework in your hand (sparklers excepted, with caution), never lean over one, and never try to relight a "dud" — wait at least 20 minutes, then soak it in water. Lighting multiple fireworks at once dramatically increases the risk of misfires and injuries.

Supervise Children and Pets Carefully

Sparklers burn at temperatures up to 2,000°F — hot enough to melt some metals — so young children should never handle them unsupervised, and toddlers shouldn't hold them at all. Keep pets indoors in a quiet room, since fireworks noise causes panic and many animals bolt or injure themselves trying to escape. Designate one sober adult as the "firework lighter" for the evening so there's always a clear, focused person in charge.