4 Tips For Safely Storing Your Unused Fireworks

The Fourth of July isn't the only special occasion to enjoy your fireworks. There are plenty of holidays that are worth livening up with a spectacular firework show. Until then, however, you'll want to keep those fireworks safe and sound. The following are several excellent tips on storing your fireworks.

1. Choose the Right Location

Sticking your fireworks in a forgotten corner of your home simply won't do. Picking the right place for fireworks storage will help them last longer and protect them — and you — from harm. When choosing a safe place to store your fireworks, keep the following in mind:

Temperature — The ideal storage area must be cool and well-shielded from direct sunlight and other direct sources of heat. Excessively hot temperatures could put your fireworks at risk of auto-igniting, while cold temperatures can cause condensation to form.

Humidity — The ideal storage area should also be as dry as possible. Excess moisture can ruin your fireworks by damaging their chemical composition.

Pests — Your chosen storage area should be not only pest-free to start with but also well-protected against any potential pest intrusions.

Movement — No matter where you store your fireworks, make sure it's an area where vibrations and other movement is kept to a minimum. Excessive movement can jostle the inner workings of your fireworks, making them less reliable.

A locked storage shed located a good distance away from your home is the ideal place to store your fireworks. If you need to store your fireworks in an environment with higher-than-normal humidity, use sealable plastic bags and include a packet of silica gel to absorb excess moisture.

If you're thinking about storing your fireworks in a self-storage unit, don't. Most self-storage businesses explicitly prohibit on-site storage of fireworks and other explosives.

2. Choose the Right Container

In addition to picking the right spot to store your fireworks, you'll also need to choose an ideal container to keep them in. The right container will shield your fireworks from life's slings and arrows. Consider these good rules of thumb when looking for an ideal container:

Avoid cardboard at all costs — Not only are cardboard boxes flimsy and prone to becoming water-logged, but they'll quickly become fuel for ignited fireworks.

Make sure your container is crush-proof — The last thing you need is for your fireworks to get damaged by falling objects.

Choose a container with a good seal — The ideal container should keep water out, ensuring your fireworks aren't ruined by water damage.

A metal container offers the best possible protection for your fireworks. You can also use a sturdy plastic container with a sealable lid, although you should make sure said container offers some fire resistance.

3. Keep Safety and Security in Mind

You'll also want to keep your fireworks out of easy reach of young children, especially when you consider the potential dangers of mishandling fireworks. A lockable container offers plenty of security against curious kids as well as petty thieves. The storage area itself should also be lockable for an added measure of safety and security.

For added safety, keep your flammable materials including paint and linens separated from your fireworks. It's also a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.

4. Don't Forget About Local Laws

Most locals have laws that govern not just the use of fireworks but also their storage. Always check your area's local ordinances regarding fireworks before proceeding with any storage plans. Doing so will help you avoid citations and other potential penalties.

When stored properly, your fireworks will always be ready whenever you want to break them out for that special occasion. For more information, contact a local wholesale fireworks provider.

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