In our final setting up section we look at site security, give some general tips for any display, advise on setting up in the dark, and get ready for the moment of truth - firing the display!

Security on your site must start as soon as the first firework is set out. You don't need an armed guard. Just someone there at all times to ensure:

	No member of the public approaches the fireworks.
	No one tries to tamper with the fireworks.
	No one tries to steal the fireworks.
	No one tries to light the fireworks.
	No animals (eg dogs off leads) take an interest in the fireworks.
	Someone is there to answer any queries.

Problems with security are very rare. The main danger is simply curious passers by, or children playing, just keep an eye on things at all times and never leave the fireworks unattended. It's advisable that someone on site has a mobile phone.

Taping off the firework area.

Don't assume fencing, taping or roping off the firework area will stop every wandering member of the public from coming through. There's always someone curious, lost, or just plain stupid who will ignore a barrier - so vigilance is essential and never ever leave fireworks unattended.

Common sense security applies in the back garden too. Don't let guests walk around the firework area, and especially not to smoke near it, or handle the fireworks. If you're setting up during the afternoon or evening, make sure you keep an eye on any children or pets that may be playing in the garden.

Here's some more general setting up advice which applies to all types of fireworks:

	Fireworks are fragile. Handle them with care.
	Remember at all times that fireworks are explosives. Mishandling or misuse is dangerous.
	Never smoke while handling fireworks and do not allow anyone to smoke near the fireworks.
	Always read the label and follow its instructions. The advice in this section is intended as additional information but should not replace directions as stated on the firework.
	Many labels instruct you to "extend the fuse". This means free it from the body (to which it is often taped) or free it from under the cellophane wrapping. NEVER pull a fuse, it may come out of the firework if you do. Gently move the free end away from the firework's casing.
	Ensure the firework is not visibly damaged. If it is, don't risk using it.
	Never tamper with, take apart, or attempt to modify fireworks. This applies to its fuse as well. This is both dangerous and illegal.
	Don't modify or remove the wrapping unless instructed to do so on the label before use. The first shot normally blows off any wrapping, tissue paper or cellophane.
	Don't put fireworks in your pockets and that includes portfires and sparklers!
	If you need to check fireworks or read their labels in the dark, use a torch or light stick to illuminate them - never a naked flame or portfire.

Setting up after dark is to be avoided if at all possible. However, we appreciate sometimes it's simply not possible to get on site until after sunset, especially in winter months. Follow the same instructions as above, and here's some tips:

	Take plenty of torches, and batteries.
	Car headlights make the best spotlights. If you can get your car on site and near the fireworks, use headlights to illuminate the area.
	Never use a naked flame to create illumination around fireworks!
	Lightsticks can be used as inexpensive, long lasting and totally safe markers if needed (eg to mark a boundary, or a site for a particular firework).

Eerie trails left by the torches of a crew setting up in the dark. Set up
in daylight if at all possible, it is a lot easier.

After the hard work of setting up, comes the horrible waiting.... and waiting... for the moment of truth! Try to relax, those butterflies will go the moment the first firework goes up and by then you'll be concentrating so hard you won't notice the nerves.

Use any spare minutes before the display to run over the firing sequence with the firers. It's worth doing a "dry run" including moving from firework to firework, so everyone is sure they know what to do, and when to do it.

Remember, setting up thoroughly is not just an essential safety issue. The more you do beforehand, the less you have to worry about during the display. In fact, if you do everything right, you'll just need to run around lighting things with a portfire, and that means YOU can enjoy the display too!

Since the first publication of extensive setting up advice here on the UK Firework Review in 1999, lots of readers have commented to us how much their display was enhanced. It may look hard work to get everything right, but it can make all the difference between producing a second-rate amateur display, or a near professional spectacular. We can't stress enough either that even if you're hosting a back garden display, proper preparation before can make it run like clockwork - and significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

In the next section, we take a look at the firing itself....