How Should I Store My Fireworks?

You are planning a big event, but you know the biggest risk to you in purchasing fireworks is properly storing them. Fireworks can be a lot of fun, but they are explosives and, as a result, they are dangerous. Take them seriously and plan for proper storage, and you are unlikely to experience any unplanned explosions. Even if you have wide access to fireworks, you’ll want to brush up on your knowledge of using them before doing so since this is the biggest cause of accidents. Storage mistakes, though, are a secondary big cause of unintended accidents. What should you know before you get started?

No Sources of Ignition Present

The first step – and the biggest – is to ensure the location you choose to store fireworks in has no sources of ignition present. This means you do not want to store fireworks near any type of gas or kerosene, or other types of fuel. You also do not want to store them near gas or electric heaters. Don’t forget the less commonly thought of igniters such as fertilizers and drain cleaners. It’s clear that the garage really isn’t the best place to store your fireworks since this is one of the most common areas for homeowners to store these fuels.

Keep Them Covered

No matter where you store fireworks, you’ll need to protect them from the elements. One of the best ways of doing so is to store them in their boxes (if you’ve purchased them new) and to place those boxes inside plastic tubs with fitted lids. This can help to prevent the fireworks from getting wet during storage. You don’t want anything to spill on them because this can lead to an ignition risk and also damage to the fireworks that limits their effectiveness.

Have Protection on Hand

Firework building and use is a very precise art. A small mistake or a simple oversight can lead to an explosion that can be very significant and very damaging. In short, if you plan to store fireworks at your home or business, you need to take every precaution necessary to manage a fire should it occur. This means ensuring there are clear exits in multiple directions out of the room, having a fire extinguisher on hand, and even having fire-safe doors in place to protect your home. You’ll also want to be sure you know how to use the fire extinguisher. Also take the time to educate others in the home about what you are storing, why there is a risk, and what to do if something should occur.

The good news is that if you buy fireworks from a reputable supplier and take care of them properly, you should have nothing to worry about. Of course, you’ll need to make sure you follow the manufacturer’s directions for proper use and storage of your fireworks since various types have different requirements. Ultimately, storing your fireworks properly allows you to ensure they will perform the right way on the big day.