Everything You Need to Know About Fireworks

Fireworks are the cornerstone of any good Fourth of July celebration, as there is nothing more American than shooting torrents of colored fire into the air and watching it explode.

Legality:

The sale of fireworks for at-home use has been banned in the state of New York since the 1960's, but no matter. Bribe a friend or neighbor with a car into driving you to Pennsylvania, one of the only remaining states in the east where you can purchase and detonate some serious explosives in the comfort of your own backyard. Sadly though, even PA won't let you purchase Roman Candles. Drat!

Safety:

If you do happen to get your hands on some sparklers (and remember, they are NOT LEGAL in New York), then you'd do well to heed the following safety tips from our friends at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

• Do not allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances. Sparklers, considered by many to be the ideal “safe” firework for the young, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing. Children cannot understand the danger involved with fireworks and may not act appropriately in case of emergency.
• Older children should be permitted to use fireworks only under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay.
• Set off fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from houses, dry leaves, or grass and other flammable materials.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that fail to ignite or explode.
• Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Never light fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
• Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.

What we're saying is, don't do this:

A 26-year-old male duct taped together a large number of sparklers to make a sparkler bomb. When he lit the homemade device, it exploded before he could move away. The resulting injuries required surgery to remove skin and flesh from the man’s right knee, hip, and leg.

Firework Displays:

Generally speaking, it's probably a good idea to leave the fireworks in the hands of professionals.

Unfortunately for Queens-dwellers, the Macy's fireworks display will not be held held over the East River as it has in years past, but over the Hudson River. So while Long Island City was traditionally the best place in the city for a good viewing, this time you've have to travel to Jersey.

However, the Skyline Princess Fourth of July Cruise is available to make the journey a pleasurable one. A ticket gets you access to the dinner buffet, dessert, DJ and open bar, all of which you can enjoy en route to the Hudson to watch the magic. The cruise if five hours long, and begins in the World's Fair Marina in Flushing Meadows. The website promises that tickets will sell out, so get yours quick.