How to Buy Fireworks Online

Looking to buy fireworks online? Buying fireworks online is common these days. Just like buying other products online, it is convenient and typically less expensive. Now there are more online fireworks suppliers than ever, selling great quality fireworks at low prices. Most suppliers offer free shipping, with a minimum purchase, and have the product delivered right to your door.

Keep a few simple guidelines in mind when shopping for fireworks online:

Guidelines

1. First determine which fireworks are legal in your area. There are a lot of fireworks available on the internet, but many of them may be illegal in your State or municipality. Becasue online retailers sell to customers throughtout the entire Country, they may have little knowledge of the specific laws regarding fireworks in your area. It is your responsibility to find out what fireworks you can legally purchase and use.

2. Buy only from reputable online retailers. Check the BBB web site to see if the companies you are shopping with have any unresolved complaints on file.

3. Bear in mind that federal DOT laws prohibit fireworks from being shipped via express carriers or air freight. All fireworks are considered hazerdous materials becasue they are highly flammable and must be shipped via common carrier (tractor trailer). So be sure to allow enough time for delivery of your fireworks - usually 7-10 business days at a minimum.

4. Don't buy fireworks online from private sellers. This means not buying on bidding sites, auction sites, list sites, forums, and classifieds. When buying fireworks from private individuals you have no assurance that the fireworks have been acquired through legal channels nor that they have been stored or maintained in a suitable environment. Fireworks that have gotten wet can become dangerous, through checmical changes in the pyrotechnic composition, posing the risk of self ignition. Reputable online retailers will have dedicated storage facilites that keep their fireworks inventory dry and safe.

5. Fireworks can be purchased on a wholesale or retail basis. Wholesale fireworks are purchased by the full case and offer much better pricing than purchasing at retail (by the piece). Buying fireworks at the wholesale level does not mean buying a warehouse full of fireworks. It simply means buying full cases of items. If you're looking to stock-up and keep fireworks on hand year round, then buying on a wholesale basis is your best bet.

6. Fireworks cannot be shipped internationally from companies in the United States. Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii and other US territories from suppliers in the lower 48 are usually not possible either.

7. When you buy fireworks online make sure to read the terms and conditions of the web site prior to finalizing your order. Be sure to pay only by credit card or PayPal utilizing a secure shipping cart.

Buying fireworks online can save you a lot of time, money, gasoline, and sales tax. Just remember to check out the company you are delaing with and allow enough time for delivery prior to your event.

Fireworks Safety Guidelines

This is from the folks at Quantum Fireworks (www.fireworks.us). Their safety guidelines should be mandatory reading for everyone about to light a fuse.

Common Sense Fireworks Safety

Safety is our main concern. And as fireworks professionals we enjoy the magnificent splendor and beauty of a great fireworks display but also respect fireworks for their inherent risks. We always handle them in a safe manner abiding by some common sense guidelines. We want you to do the same.

• Never let children handle fireworks.
  Only adults should handle and light fireworks. Fireworks burn VERY hot, potentially causing severe burns, and are intended to be handled only by responsible adults.
  
• Do not consume alcohol while handling or lighting fireworks.
  Alcohol impairs your senses, judgement, and reaction time. Impairment leads to accidents, injuries, and possibly death. Be a responsible adult ~ don't consume alcohol and handle fireworks.
  
• Have a fire extinguisher or a source of water near by.
  Should the need arise, keep a fire extinguisher, water hose, or a bucket of water near by to douse any flames. Appoint another responsible adult as a spotter to alert you to any emergency that me arise and be ready with the water source.
  
• Keep a First Aid Kit nearby.Keep a First Aid Kit neaby for treatment of minor burns.
  Light only one firework at a time.Light only one firework at a time.
  
• Don't try and relight a "dud".
  Never try and relight a "dud" or any firework that has failed to ignite or gone out. Let the item stand for at least twenty-five minutes and then immerse it in water overnight. Then properly dispose of the item.
  
• Do not throw burned out sparklers on the ground.
  The hot debris left over from the sparkler can burn someone if they step on it.
  
• Always wear proper clothing whenever you use fireworks.
  This includes cotton or denim clothing, long pants, eye protetion, covered shoes, and (if necessary) ear protection.
  
• Keep fireworks away from open flames.
  Keep fireworks away from open flames, including cigarettes. Never smoke around fireworks.
  
• Never throw or toss fireworks at another person or animal.
  
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
  
• Use fireworks only outdoors.
  Never use fireworks indoors.
  
• Use fireworks in an open space that is clear of spectators, buildings, vehicles, debris and flammable materials.
  Keep spectators a safe distance away from the display. We recommend at least 35 feet for fountains and other ground items and 300 feet for aerial items.
  
• Follow the law.
  Follow your State and Local laws regarding the use of consumer fireworks. Use only fireworks permitted by law in your State or local jurisdiction.
  
• Read all warning labels carefully and follow any written instructions.
  Be sure to carefully read item labels to make sure you understand the product's performance and potential hazards prior to ignition.
  
• Light fireworks on a hard, level surface.
  A hard level surface will help insure the stability of the items you are lighting. Grass is not generally a good surface to use as it may allow items to tip or fall over. If you must light fireworks on a grass surface then place a large, flat, wooden board down first as a shooting surface.
  
• Keep body parts clear of fireworks.
  Never place any body part over the top of a firework product. Never look into a firework tube to see if the item has fired. Never hold a firework item in your hands. When lighting a firework item, ignite the fuse and then step away to a safe distance.
  
• Protect your eyes.
  Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses to protect your eyes. Anyone lighting or in close proximity to the fireworks need to wear eye protection.
  
• Windy conditions.
  Never light fireworks in heavy wind conditions. Keep spectators safe by having the prevailing winds blowing away from them.
  
• Respect your neighbors.
  Always keep your neighbors in mind and inform them when you will be lighting fireworks. Better yet, invite them over to enjoy the show!
  
• Use common sense.
  

Quantum Fireworks wants you and your family and friends to enjoy the beauty and excitement of the fantastic fireworks we offer. But more importantly, we want you all to remain safe. Don't let a wonderful scene turn into a nightmare by ignoring these simple "common sense" safety guidelines.