Fireworks are dangerous and can seem especially so when you’re a parent. It’s only natural. Any explosion in close proximity to children can be a recipe for disaster. But by following these useful tips, you can keep everyone safe and happy while still enjoying all the awe-inspiring wonder of those technicolor combustions. Whether it’s the 4th of July, a backyard BBQ, or just a Tuesday afternoon, Fatherly will help keep you and your family safe with these trusted tips.

The first thing to remember is that alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Drinking and handling fireworks is a bad idea. On the other hand, if you’re only going to be a spectator, alcohol can make fireworks much more fun.

Don’t carry fireworks in your pocket or set them off in your hand, or else your wife will be opening your ketchup bottles for the rest of your life.

Only light one firework at a time, and always keep a bucket of water handy.

As far as those sparklers go, they burn at around 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which means they don’t belong in the hands of little kids.

Never relight a dud. If a firework doesn’t go off, wait 20 minutes and then soak it in water. When you’re done, wet down any spent fireworks and throw them out in a metal trash can.

Make sure to obey all local laws and the laws of common sense. For more safety tips, be sure to head to Fatherly.com.