In this section we'll run through the basics of storing fireworks prior to your display.

We are often asked to comment on individual members' storage and whether we think it is safe. Without actually seeing your storage ourselves, it is impossible to give a definitive answer to this type of question. Use your common sense when storing fireworks and consult your supplier for advice if needed.

Thank you to The Firework Store for their kind sponsorship of this section so that we can continue to offer this valuable information free to all our visitors.

Specific laws relating to the storage of fireworks at home or for commercial purposes are subject to frequent change. Please be aware that any information given here about weight or time limits may not reflect the current legislation and you should always check if you are in any doubt. Your firework supplier should be up to date with current legislation. The HSE website is also a useful source of information: click here as is our member's forum, where you can ask other members many of whom are in the trade.

At time of writing the main law that applies for home storage is the 14 day rule. This allows the storage of an "unlimited" amount of fireworks for up to 14 days. This law allows any member of the public who is displaying fireworks to take delivery of their order and store it for up to two weeks.

Of course, "unlimited" does not mean you can pack your house out with fireworks. You can only store whatever amount of fireworks that it is safe to do so. This will vary depending on how and where the fireworks are stored. In a nutshell, any legitimate member of the public storing a legitimate amount of fireworks for their display is fine - anyone looking to store huge quantities of fireworks for commercial purposes, or anything other than garden or display fireworks, would not be covered by this rule.

To store fireworks for longer (or to be more accurate, to store anything other than a very small quantity of fireworks for longer) and you will need to register with your local authority. This applies for any commercial storage of fireworks too for example, a firework shop. Storage licences which can be granted include Mode A and Mode B; many of our members have registered Mode B storage, some have Mode A. Please note: If you just display at Guy Fawkes and/or your fireworks are delivered and stored within 14 days of your displays you would not need to register.

Specific weight limits, costs and information relating to Mode A, B and above have been subject to change recently and further new legislation is likely. For example, there are new laws - and considerable extra expense - for those shops wanting to sell fireworks all year. For this reason, please refer to the HSE, your local authority or your supplier for current legislation, or ask in our member's forum.

The best place to store fireworks is with your firework supplier! Many companies, particularly mail order suppliers, are happy to store your order for you until closer to your display date. Ideally you should aim for delivery no earlier than 14 days before your display, to ensure you comply with the law.

A major firework supplier's licenced, secure and safe storage.

This significantly reduces the problems of storage because you only need to store your fireworks for a short period.

When storing fireworks at home the main things to ensure are:

	The fireworks are kept away from any sources of heat or ignition.
	The fireworks are kept dry.

Sources of heat or ignition include heaters, naked flames and people smoking.

Never smoke while handling fireworks!

It is essential that your fireworks are kept dry. Beware of storing fireworks outside in sheds which can get damp and avoid anywhere with significant changes of temperatures including greenhouses, conservatories and lofts.

We recommend the following advice too:

	Store fireworks in their original packaging (mail order fireworks will be supplied in tough cardboard cartons).
	Do not store fireworks with any other flammable materials including petrol, oil or paint.
	If there is a possibility of children or animals having access to the fireworks, keep them stored in a lockable container or cabinet.
	If there is a risk of damp, protect your fireworks by sealing them in bin bags or similar to keep them dry.

Lockable metal cabinets are ideal for fireworks.

Fireworks will not, if stored correctly, spontaneously combust. They do not contain any chemicals which would do this.

We are often asked whether a firework which has been stored for a considerable amount of time is still safe to use. This is another question that is impossible for us to give a definitive answer too. Generally, fireworks if stored correctly should have a shelf life of many years, but it is hard to know under which conditions your own fireworks were stored. Hence, we are not able to give an answer to this question. If in doubt, do not fire it.

The best place to store fireworks during your display is to have them already set out - refer to the previous sections of this guide. Even in the event of cross-ignition, the firework is already in a safe position.

If you're not going to these extremes and having a more informal "take one out at a time and light it" display, you must be careful with the fireworks before you take them out.

Keep them stored in a spark-proof container with a lid (if taking them all outdoors beforehand) or take your fireworks outside one at a time.

Never smoke while taking your fireworks out. Never pick your next firework, or take it out to the garden, while holding a lit taper or portfire!!

Never store fireworks of any kind, including sparklers and portfires, in your pockets. This is extremely dangerous. Ensure any fireworks still to be set off are supervised.

That concludes our Safety section. We hope you have found the information included here useful.

If you still need help, we have a number of other resources available. The Display Advice section runs through various display themes. The Info Bank and Glossary contain useful information for beginners. Our Features go behind the scenes at displays and you may pick up some tips from the professionals. Our best resource of course is our members forum. You can ask for help, if you need it, from other enthusiasts.

If you have found our site useful, please let us know. We welcome feedback - and if you have any useful tips, be sure to share them with us so we can share them with other members.