Play Hard. Play Safe.
Fireworks are a Texas tradition worth protecting. A few simple habits keep every show fun and keep everyone watching it safe. Here is how the Alamo family lights up the sky the right way.
The Golden Rules
None of these slow the party down. They are just the difference between a great story and a bad one.
Anyone lighting fireworks should be a sober adult. The best job for the kids is watching the show from a safe distance.
Light a single firework, then step back. Never bundle fuses or try to set off more than one at once.
The moment it is lit, back away. Never lean over a firework and never hold a lit one in your hand.
Have a bucket of water and a garden hose ready before the first fuse is lit. It turns a scare into a non-event.
Aim every firework at open sky, away from people, pets, homes, cars, and anything that can catch fire.
Alcohol and fireworks never mix. Stay sober and focused while you are the one running the show.
Your Game Plan
Run through this every time. It takes two minutes and it works.
Hard No
Never relight a firework that did not go off.
Never hold a lit firework in your hand.
Never light fireworks indoors or from glass or metal containers.
Never give fireworks to young children.
Never point or throw fireworks at people, pets, or buildings.
Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
Never modify fireworks or try to make your own.
Never use fireworks during a burn ban.
For the Little Ones
They feel harmless, but a single sparkler burns at up to 2,000 degrees. Keep young children an arm's length back and hand the smallest kids a glow stick instead. An adult should always be within reach.
When a sparkler burns out, drop it straight into a bucket of water. It stays dangerously hot long after the light goes out.
Know the Rules
A quick guide to staying on the right side of the law in the Lone Star State.
In Texas you must be at least 16 years old to purchase consumer fireworks.
Consumer fireworks are legally sold around set holidays, mainly June 24 through July 4 and December 20 through January 1.
Fireworks generally cannot be sold or set off inside most city limits. Use them on private rural property with the owner's permission.
Many Texas counties issue burn bans in dry conditions that restrict or prohibit fireworks. Always check your county first.
Laws vary by city and county and can change year to year. This is a general guide, not legal advice. Always confirm the current rules where you live before you buy or light fireworks.
Stock up on Texas-size fireworks from a family that has been doing this safely since 1962.