Pre-Show Checklist
Before You Light
Check these off with your family or team before the first fuse is lit.
Safety First. Fun Always.
Fireworks Safety Center
Helpful safety tips, printable guides, and Big John’s Junior Safety Academy for families across Eastern Kentucky.
Safety Center 2.0
Light smarter. Celebrate bigger.
Big John’s Safety Center gives families a simple pre-show checklist, product-specific reminders, emergency guidance, printable downloads, and kid-friendly learning tools.
Ready Score0%Complete the checklist before showtime.
Emergency Guide
If Something Goes Wrong
Someone is injured or there is fire danger
Call 911 immediately. Move people away from the area and use water only if it is safe to do so.
A firework does not ignite
Do not pick it up or relight it. Wait at least 20 minutes, then soak it with water.
Grass, trash, or debris starts smoking
Stop lighting fireworks. Soak the area, check nearby debris, and keep watching until everything is cool.
Wind picks up during the show
Pause the show. Higher aerial items should wait until conditions improve.
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Product-Specific Safety
★Aerial Cakes
Use on a flat hard surface. Do not hold in hand. Keep spectators farther back for taller breaks.
Artillery Shells
Use only the included tube on stable ground. Load one shell at a time. Never lean over the tube.
Fountains
Place on level ground away from dry grass. Expect sparks near the ground and keep kids back.
Rockets
Use only a stable launch tube or rack. Never launch from bottles, hands, or loose ground.
Roman Candles
Secure upright as directed. Never hold in hand. Point away from people, homes, vehicles, and trees.
Novelties
Small does not mean risk-free. Supervise kids, avoid pockets, and keep water nearby.
Family Safety Guide
Printable setup, lighting, emergency, disposal, and weather safety reminders.
Download PDFJunior Safety Academy
Kid-friendly quiz and printable Junior Fireworks Safety Expert certificate.
Take Kids QuizFireworks Forecast
Check wind, rain, visibility, and the best launch window before showtime.
View ForecastLocal Laws
Always check current state, county, and city restrictions before lighting fireworks.
Check Laws★
10 Essential Safety Tips
★Read Instructions
Always read product labels before lighting.
Adult Supervision
Fireworks should only be handled by responsible adults.
Keep Distance
Keep spectators behind a clear safety line.
Water Ready
Have a bucket of water and hose nearby.
No Alcohol
Never use alcohol while lighting fireworks.
Outdoors Only
Use fireworks in a clear, open outdoor area.
One At A Time
Light one item at a time and move away.
Never Relight
Wait, then soak duds in water.
Dispose Properly
Soak used fireworks before throwing away.
Eye Protection
Safety glasses are recommended when lighting.
Fireworks Safety FAQ
Can I relight a firework that did not go off?
No. Wait at least 20 minutes, then soak it in water before disposal.
Should I check the weather first?
Yes. Do not light fireworks during storms, high winds, or unsafe dry conditions. Check Big John’s Fireworks Forecast before lighting.
How close should people stand?
Follow the product label and use a clear viewing line. Larger aerial products need more distance than fountains or small novelties.
Can kids help?
Kids can help learn the safety rules, but fireworks should only be handled and lit by responsible adults.