Safety Comes First!
Morin’s has always emphasized safe use of quality fireworks. Here are some guidelines.
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Open until 10:00 through the 4th • Also open July 5th!
Alcohol and Fireworks Don’t Mix. Treat your fireworks handlers as you would treat designated drivers – people you’ll rely on to be clear-headed and fully in control when it’s display time. That means NO ALCOHOL. Even a single beer, glass of wine, or mixed drink can impair your judgement. Keep your fireworks handlers sober – then have them join you in a toast after a successful display.
Use Quality Fireworks. There are a lot of fireworks brands, but only a handful with established reputations for dependability and reliability. Big discount stores stock what their corporate buyers can get the cheapest. Pop-up vendors stock whatever they can get, with an eye to liquidating it before they close up shop (usually on July 5th). Morin’s is a year-round business, with 55 years of experience. Ask about our guarantee!
Keep It Legal. Explosives such as M-80s are very dangerous, and are generally not legal to use. Morin’s doesn’t sell them.
Keep Your Distance. Quality fireworks are designed to give you an opportunity either to light them from a distance, or step back before they activate. Never lean over fireworks as you light them. Punk sticks are slow-burning coated wood rods that you can use to give yourself some extra distance. Many retailers sell those separately. We’ll be happy to give you some at no charge.
No Horseplay. Fireworks are not toys. Don’t prank people, or handle them casually. Never point fireworks at anybody. Even standard firecrackers and other small fireworks can cause serious injury if not treated with respect.
No Children. Kids can watch – but they can’t touch. Leave the handling to the (sober) adults. Even small fireworks, such as snakes, snappers, sparklers and gimmick toys should be kept away from small children. As kids get older, you can let them start to handle them, but only under close adult supervision. Teach safety first.
Pick your Spot. Show your fireworks over an open area – a field, a gully, a body of water. Avoid dry grass and trees, and stay well away from homes, vehicles and other buildings. Launch them well away from your viewers, to keep them safe if an accident does occur.
Check the Wind Speed. In most cases, fireworks can be launched safely when the wind speed is less than 10 miles per hour. Under no circumstances should fireworks be launched if winds exceed 15 miles per hour. The gray area in between depends on your circumstances. If you have enough clear ground space for the fireworks to drift a bit once they’re launched, winds between 10 and 15 miles per hour may be acceptable. If you need to keep your fireworks overhead, use the 10 miles per hour limit.
Check the Wind Direction. Make sure the fireworks will drift away from buildings and other sensitive areas. Try to situate your audience so smoke from the launch area doesn’t drift toward them.
Check the Ground Conditions. Dry weather makes ground cover and vegetation more flammable. If conditions are too dry, consider postponing your show.
Water. Lots of Water. It’s rare that embers from a properly launched firework reach the ground still hot enough to start a fire, but it does happen. Make sure you have immediate access to plenty of water.
Protect Yourself. Wear earplugs and safety goggles. Always. Do not carry fireworks in your pocket – friction can ignite them.
Have Cell Bars. We live in an area where many places don’t have cell phone coverage. Don’t light fireworks anyplace where you can’t make an immediate call for emergency services.
No Second Chances. With quality fireworks, it doesn’t happen often. But, if a firework doesn’t fire properly, don’t handle it, and don’t try to relight and relaunch it. Wait 20 minutes before approaching it. Douse it thoroughly with water. Bring your Morin’s receipt and the secured firework back to us, and we’ll replace it.
Obey the Law. Some municipalities regulate the days and times when you can use fireworks. Check with your municipal office.
Questions?
Ask our experienced staffers. Check out the safety videos we’ve included on our page.