Fireworks Safety
Safety First
Fireworks are an American tradition, but they must be treated with respect. Follow these 10 safety tips to ensure your celebration stays safe and legal.
Safety Videos by American Pyrotechnics Safety and Education Foundation
Dos & Don’ts for a Safe Time
Always Do This
- Use common sense, don’t try to be cool or funny.
- Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
- Designate a Sober Adult.
- Keep water or a fire extinguisher close.
- Keep fireworks away from children.
- Brace your items.
- Wear safety glasses when lighting fuses.
- Enjoy fireworks in a clear, open areas.
- Light one firework at a time on hard level ground.
- Move away quickly after lighting.
- Thoroughly soak every shot item with water.
- Store unused fireworks in a cool, dry place.
Never Do This
- Never aim, throw, or launch fireworks at people.
- Never aim, throw, or launch fireworks at animals.
- Never aim, throw, or launch fireworks at structures.
- Never aim, throw, or launch fireworks at hard surfaces.
- Never light artillery shells outside of their launch tube.
- Never let children light fireworks.
- Never leave children unattended.
- Never try to relight a “dud” firework.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- Never light fireworks in heavily wooded areas
- Never use illegal explosives or fireworks.
- Never alter devices or make your own.
The “Dud” Protocol
If a firework fails to ignite, DO NOT rush to check it.
- Wait at least 20 minutes.
- Approach with caution, keeping face away.
- Douse thoroughly with water.
- Let sit overnight.
- When your item has cooled and safe, return for replacement.
No Dud Guarantee
If it Doesn’t Light, We’ll Make it Right.
Big-Tex Fireworks has a “no dud guarantee”. We stand by the quality of our fireworks. If your item fails to fire or incompletely fires, bring the item back to the location you purchased from and we will replace with the same or similar item(s) equal to the purchase price.
With exception of our dud replacement policy, all sales are final with no refunds, returns, or exchanges. Once a customer purchases and takes possession of the product, by law, we cannot take the product back for return, refund, or exchange.
Proper Disposal
Always thoroughly douse used fireworks with water and let lay to cool. When you feel they are safe, dispose of used fireworks in a metal trash can that stays outside.
- Never put a trash can back in a garage or building that has used fireworks inside.
- Never put used fireworks inside your home or any other building.
Proper Storage
Store unused fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets. Never place fireworks on top of an electrical appliance, such as a refrigerator or freezer. The appliance could be struck or damaged through extreme weather events such as lightning or power surges, resulting in the possible ignition of the fireworks.
Be Safe, Legal, and Texas Proud
Big-Tex Fireworks is your premier provider of state-approved consumer fireworks. We are dedicated to keeping our customers informed and safe. For additional resources on responsible use, we recommend visiting the American Pyrotechnics Safety and Education Foundation.
Understanding the Law: Fireworks regulations can be complex. Because federal law restricts the transport of hazardous materials, we cannot ship fireworks via mail order, UPS, FedEx, or the US Postal Service. Additionally, the FAA strictly prohibits fireworks on all commercial flights.
Product Testing: All of the Big-Tex Fireworks products are laboratory tested to insure safety, performance, and compliance with the U.S. law and standards established by the U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and AFSL for UN0336 1.4G (Class C) consumer fireworks.
Why Buy Local? State and local laws vary significantly. An item legal in a neighboring state might be illegal here. For example, Texas law has specific size requirements for rockets; standard “bottle rockets” often sold in other states are prohibited here. To ensure you are compliant with the law and avoiding illegal items, always purchase from a licensed local retailer like Big-Tex Fireworks. Please use our store locator to find the Big-Tex stand nearest you.
Customer Notice and Safety Disclaimer
The safety tips and guidelines provided here by Big-Tex Fireworks are intended for general informational purposes only. These safety tips are suggestions to help you enjoy fireworks safely, but they cannot replace your own good judgment. They may not cover every possible situation, weather condition, or landscape. Fireworks are inherently dangerous if mishandled, and safety is ultimately the responsibility of the user. You must exercise your own best judgment and discretion at all times. Big-Tex Fireworks assumes no liability for accidents, injuries, or property damage resulting from the use of our products or your failure to exercise common sense safety measures.