We’ve all been there. You light the fuse, step back, and… nothing happens. Or maybe the firework goes quiet halfway through its performance. It’s disappointing, especially after building up excitement, but duds happen. Knowing how to handle a dud the right way can prevent serious injuries, and not everyone knows what to do.

Here are the steps you should follow if a firework doesn’t go off.

Don’t Approach It Right Away

Your first instinct might be to walk over and check it, but this is the most dangerous thing you can do. Here’s what you should do instead:

• • Let the firework sit for at least 20 minutes. Some fireworks have delayed ignition and can suddenly go off after appearing to be a dud.
  • Never try to relight a dud. We know it’s tempting to get your money’s worth, but it’s not worth risking your safety or the safety of others.

Properly Extinguish the Dud

Once enough time has passed, it’s time to safely neutralize the firework:

• • Douse the firework thoroughly with water using a hose or bucket. This helps extinguish any internal components that may still be burning.
  • For the best results, soak the dud in a bucket of water overnight to make sure it is completely waterlogged.

Dispose of It Properly

After the firework is fully soaked, you can safely throw it away following these steps:

• • Place the wet firework in a plastic bag to lock in the moisture.
  • Put the bagged firework in your regular trash can or dumpster for collection.

Do not burn the dud! Even after soaking, there is still a chance it could ignite if exposed to heat.

A Final Reminder

Duds are unpredictable and can cause serious harm if handled incorrectly. Taking the time to wait, soak, and dispose of them properly is a small thing that makes a big difference in keeping everyone safe. When it comes to fireworks, patience and caution are always the best choices.

For more information, check out these APA safety tips!