Because if you abuse fireworks, you will help to get fireworks banned.

Fireworks have become more and more popular each year. Sales and total usage of fireworks in the United States are nearly twice what they were even 10 years ago. More people using more fireworks can lead to an increase in "incidents" which attract a lot of attention and are used to justify banning or restricting fireworks. 

Some organizations, including the National Fire Protection Association, and the Centers for Disease Control, have been quietly campaigning the U.S. government to ban all sales of consumer fireworks in the United States. These campaigns have been unsuccessful so far, but that doesn't mean they are going to stop trying.

Don't buy or use large, professional-caliber fireworks. Aerial shells with a diameter of larger than 1.75 inches are not legal for the public to buy in the United States. Firecrackers with more than 50 milligrams of powder content are also illegal in the United States. Even if you know "someone who can get them," don't buy them. Buy only legal fireworks from reputable dealers.

Forget the "Jackass"-style stunts and other "insane" or "extreme" ways of using fireworks. A bottle rocket "war" is juvenile and foolish. Fireworks are not toys to be played with, they are entertainment devices carefully designed to produce specific audible and visible effects. They don't need to be misused to be entertaining. Just use fireworks as they are intended to be used. And use fireworks only in appropriate locations. Respect the needs and wishes of your neighbors. Read all instructions and observe all safety precautions.

If you abuse fireworks and get injured, or cause an injury or cause property damage, you will simply add to the statistics that these groups use in presenting their case for banning consumer fireworks in the U.S. Is this what you want to have happen?

If you abuse fireworks and take a video of it, and the put the video on the internet for anyone to watch, then what will happen? The anti-fireworks groups may use your video in their presentation, and show it to some member of Congress, and that member just happens to be the one who casts the deciding vote in enacting a new law that outlaws consumer fireworks in the U.S. Do you want to be the one who helped that happen?

I didn't think so. So please, use fireworks strictly in accordance with the printed instructions on them, and also please observe all safety guidelines when using them.

Please join the Fireworks Alliance. It's free, and you can help fight to keep consumer fireworks legal in the United States.

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