Like nothing else, fireworks can excite, thrill and amaze us. But as dazzling as fireworks can be, they can also be harmful if used improperly. Legal fireworks are safer than ever, in part because of stringent federal safety standards enacted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 1976. But she says it can be cut further by following a few simple guidelines. The key, of course, is being able to recognize what's legal and what's not.
Legal fireworks conform to the standards.
Illegal ones often don't. Before setting off any fireworks, contact your local police or fire department to make sure fireworks are allowed in your area. Illegal devices include M80s, M100s and silver salutes. They have been federally banned since 1966 because of the large amounts of illegal explosives they contain. Don't confuse these items with legal, consumer fireworks.