How to Handle Dud Fireworks

Many people enjoy watching fireworks. Some even light them on occasion. Safety has to be your number one concern when handling fireworks of any kind. If you light a firework and it doesn't ignite, it's a dud, and must be handled with extreme care.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water
• Garbage bag and can
• Gloves

1. Let any firework that was a dud sit where it was lit for at least 15 minutes before approaching it.

2. Approach the firework, and use your foot to tip it over onto the surface so it isn't pointing straight up at you.

3. Pick it up from the stick end, or as far away from the fuse area as possible. Wear gloves to protect your hands from anything that still may be hot.

4. Hold the dud firework with your arm extended, keeping it as far away from your body as possible and pointing it towards the ground away from anyone else.

5. Drop it into a tub of water, and leave it for at least half an hour.

6. Take the firework out of the water, and place in a trash bag and inside a garbage can.

Tips & Warnings

• Even fireworks that worked should be handled with the same care. Pick them up carefully and submerge them in water to make sure there isn't any gun powder left in them to ignite.
• Before lighting any fireworks, get your tub of water ready to submerge the spent fireworks and duds.
• Never attempt to re-light a dud firework. Once it has been lit, and doesn't go off, it needs to be left alone and cared for following the above Steps.
• Children should never be allowed to light fireworks.
• Don't drink alcohol and light fireworks. Your judgement can be impaired and affect the safety of all those around you.