Storing & Using Fireworks Safely - Cook Portable Warehouses

It’s that time of year where the family will hopefully be able to enjoy time together and watch fireworks safely. Depending on your local laws, you may not be able to shoot off any fireworks. But, if you are able to, ensure you’re taking the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe.

Cook Portable Warehouses wants to ensure everyone has a fun, safe holiday. Here are some great party tips to help you kick off the celebrations! But, before you decide to host your own fireworks display, check with your local laws. Then, talk with your family and friends about these tips so you ensure you’ve taken every necessary precaution.

Fireworks, though beautiful, in 2015 caused 11,900 people to visit a U.S. emergency room according to the National Fire Protection Association. So, you want to be extra careful, especially when children are nearby to take every precaution to ensure your celebration is a fun and memorable one.

Fireworks Safety Tips

These tips are from the The National Council on Fireworks Safety, Inc. Click here for a full list. Understand that each local government has different laws concerning fireworks. Check the laws before purchasing any fireworks.

Leave alcohol out of the equation. You don’t want to be impaired as you handle these flammable materials.
Keep a bucket of water and a water hose easily accessible any time you’re dealing with fireworks.
Do not let children handle or be near the fireworks. Keep them at a safe distance so they can enjoy the show.
The fireworks shooter should wear safety goggles and read the caution labels before igniting.
If you have a “dud” do not try to relight it. Leave it for at least 20 minutes and then soak it completely in water.
After you’ve finished shooting your fireworks, soak all of them in water and place them in a metal trash can a considerable distance from your home, garage or anything flammable.

How do you store fireworks safely?

You can store fireworks, but you want to first follow your local laws. Here are some guidelines on storing fireworks safely. These are not guarantees, but will help you keep your family safe as these materials can be dangerous.

Store them in a dry, cool place in a sealed container.

Water and moisture can ruin fireworks, so it’s best to keep it in a sealed container in a dry place, such as a portable shed that is not attached to the home. If they do come into contact with moisture, completely soak them and then dispose of them in a metal trash can well away from the home or anything flammable.

Store them away from children.

You want to ensure stored fireworks are not within reach of children. If you store them in a shed, it is a good idea to have a lock on the shed so the kids do not stumble upon them while playing outdoors.

Clearly label them.

You think you’ll remember which container they’re in…but in 6 months or a year, you probably will have forgotten. So, it’s important to clearly label them so everyone in the family knows where they are and what not to put near it. It’s best to leave this container alone as jostling them too much could cause issues when you try to use them later. You don’t want to accidentally break open the fireworks while you’re searching for something else in your shed.

Store them away from other flammable/combustible materials.

Don’t store them near materials that can easily be ignited such as gas or oil.

Do not store them where people live/sleep.

If a fire were to break out in your home, you do not want the added threat of fireworks going off. So, keep them away from the home.

Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and do not store them near the exit of your shed or portable building.

This way you can hopefully quickly contain a fire if one does occur, allowing you to safely exit the shed without the threat of a firework going off near the door. Learn more about fire protection when storing your fireworks here.

Fireworks can be a lot of fun if used legally and safely. The best option is to enjoy your local professional fireworks display. But, if you do decide to shoot off fireworks and later store leftovers in your shed, please take the necessary precautions to keep you and your loved ones safe.

If you’re searching for a better storage solution than just your garage, take a look at all of our shed styles to find a Cook shed that will work for you!