5 Tips for Safe Fireworks Storage

Still have some shells left over from the Fourth of July? We've got you covered. This quick guide will give you some helpful pointers for how to safely store fireworks until you're ready to break them out again.

1. Don't End Up on Law and Order

Some cities and counties ban the use and storage of fireworks at certain times of the year. Now, we don't want you to get into any legal trouble, so we'll emphasize this point — make sure you're following local and state rules before putting your leftovers away for the season!

Need a little extra guidance? Check the Fireworks Q&A from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosions (ATF) for more specific info.

2. Give Your Fireworks a Good Home

Just like your own home, the place you store your fireworks should provide shelter from the elements. That said, you'll want your fireworks' home to be outside your own. While fireworks are a blast — get it? — they can also be fire hazards and it's better to be safe than sorry.

Storing fireworks in your garage or shed is ideal as long as it's far away from ignition sources like grills, heaters and smoking areas. You should also make sure it's not near anything flammable, like fuel, oil or paint.

One more thing — humidity and moisture can damage your fireworks, so you need to make sure they're in a cool, dry area. Places where temperatures can rise quickly, like greenhouses or car trunks, are a no-go.

3. Use the Right Container

When you get a new shipment of fireworks, the first thing you want to do is tear open the box to admire your new treasures. Trust us, we know the feeling, but you should leave the original packaging intact if you need to put your fireworks in storage.

You'll also need a durable container, like:

• A plastic tub: A plastic tote with a lid is the best option for keeping moisture and creepy-crawlies out. You can usually find these for cheap at your local big-box retailer or home improvement store.
• A cardboard box: Sturdy cardboard works well for drier climates where moisture is less of an issue. You can use the original carton the fireworks came in.

A pro tip from us to you — check the box every so often for damage or wear and replace the container as needed. Small holes can reveal pest infestations or damaged goods, which you'll need to take care of ASAP.

4. Keep It Secret, Keep It Safe

Treat your fireworks stash like a dragon treats its hoard of gold — protect it and keep it from falling into the wrong hands.

If you need to tell anyone where you keep the spare fireworks, make sure it's someone you can trust. Just make sure that person is another adult — curious kids can cause some serious trouble if they're too young to practice the fine art of pyrotechnics.

If you want maximum security for your fireworks, you gotta lock 'em up, especially in areas where theft is common. A locking container is great, but if you can't get hold of one, you've still got options for securing the booty:

• Use a padlock and hide the key.
• Wrap a bike lock around the box.
• Stick the container in a locked room or cabinet.

5. Have a Fire Extinguisher Nearby

Even though a fire is unlikely if you handle your fireworks with care, it's always best to be prepared. Whether you're a new pyro or an experienced pro, it's smart to keep a fire extinguisher near your stash.

You might already have an extinguisher if you're storing your fireworks in a garage or shed. If not, no sweat — you can easily find good fire extinguishers online and in hardware stores. You might want to check your smoke detector, too, just to be on the safe side.

Bring the Boom With Red Apple® Fireworks

Whether you're packing away extras from Independence Day or your dog's birthday bash, keeping your fireworks safe will ensure your next show goes off with a BANG!

Looking for more pyro tips? Take a scroll through the Red Apple® blog for more tips on the not-so-subtle art of explosions and the latest news. Or browse our product spotlight to get some inspiration for your next display.