Buying sparklers in NJ is simple. In Pennsylvania though, your driver’s license will be checked against a terrorist watch list.

Until five years ago, New Jersey had a complete ban on fireworks. Now we’re allowed novelties: Sparklers, small fountains, snappers, glow worms (aka snakes) and poppers.

Nationally, very powerful fireworks still are for sale to the public.  During the pandemic, serious injuries involving fireworks skyrocketed to 1,600 from fireworks and 900 from sparklers.

Fireworks, like firearms, should be used only by adults in a safe manner, and only legal versions are acceptable.

When used responsibly though, sparklers and “fireworks lite” can be a lot of fun.  Since many in Morristown did not grow up with sparklers in the backyard on July 4th, here’s a brief primer.

Sparklers can be hand-held or ground-based spinners.

The hand-held variety most commonly throw off gold sparks, although silver, red, green and neon colors are are available.

This July 4th, sunset is at 8:31 pm, although it won’t really be dark until around 9 o’clock. Darkness is the best backdrop for sparklers. When moved, they leave a bright glow optically which can be used to spell out names or form loopy patterns.

Sparklers burn at temperatures of roughly 2,000 degrees — hot enough to melt lead or zinc– so hold them away from faces.  They’re also sharp metal objects, so nobody should run with them.

Light ground spinners on the driveway away from cars and flammables.  They flame out quickly after an impressive little tornado of white glittery light. 

Using an “Aim and Flame” or another brand of extended nozzle lighter. or even a long wooden match allows you to light the fuse(s) while keeping the fire at longer-than-arm’s length.

Snappers make a loud bang or a thunderous boom.  Be sure to give the dog calming chews before blasting.  And set them off before the neighbors go to bed.

Snakes, or glow worms, bubble into a long black serpentine shape as heat is applied to one end. Smoke balls are self explanatory: Pink, purple, fart, stink – choose your smoke. 

Once upon a time, unidirectional creosote bombs were available for sale at Agway to encourage rodents to find a new yard to tunnel through.  Light up one end, stick it in the hole, and Kaboom!  No chipmunks in your flower beds for a couple of years. 

Homeland Security plugged the loophole after 9/11 and now that anti-rodent tool is gone for good.

Party poppers make a modest bang and shoot out colorful streamers. For July 4th, the streamers can be red, white and blue. Party poppers come in all sizes.  Large sizes are marketed for weddings (white and gold) and gender reveal parties (pink or blue).

Certain fountains can be purchased in New Jersey with provocative names like Noisy Glitsy, Be All and End All, World’s Strongest Fountain, Frog Prince and Foreign Policy Maker. These are most like classic fireworks.

Aerial fireworks such as skyrockets, bottle rockets, Roman candles and similar explosive devices require a permit.

Permits require written applications, which must be approved by the chiefs of police and fire.  Having phoned around, we can report that hospitals and police take a dim view of any explosives, legal or otherwise.

It’s no joke that in Pennsylvania, customers are screened before being allowed into retail fireworks stores — even the “Legal in NJ” aisle.

Best just to wait for First Night, or enjoy sparklers with care!

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