* Use fireworks on a hard, flat and level surface. The surface should be in an open area away from buildings, vehicles and shrubbery.
* Use a long-handled lighter so you can keep as far away as possible.
* Light one at a time. If it doesn't light, don't try to relight it. Let it stand for five minutes, then immerse it in water.
* Keep water close by, whether it's a hose or a bucket.
* In windy conditions, light where wind blows away from spectators and buildings.
* Children should not be allowed to handle, play with, or light fireworks.
* Stay alert. Don't drink while lighting fireworks.
* Don't let small children handle sparklers.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.