Fireworks and flares

Joined
Feb 16, 2001
Messages
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After seeing the local 4th of july fireworks, I got to wondering if fireworks could be used effecivly in an emergency situation in the same way someone would use a shooting flare. Here in Minnesota fireworks are illegal, so I don't know a lot about them, but the visual and audio effects are dramatic. I would susspect that the larger ones would be visable and could be heard for many miles. I have seen flares shot a couple of times...not real impressive. I will admit, they were not high quality parachute flares either. Here are some thoughts:

1. If someone saw a firework go off, would they see it as a distress signal??? I would guess NO, but maybe they would if you were 50 miles out at sea. If someone was actually looking for you, than YES.

2. Weight. I have know ideas how much big fireworks weigh.

3. Packaging. Coast Guard approved flares are water proof and easy to launch. A firework need to be dry and takes a match or lighter to launch (right??)

4. There are some very loud fireworks. This tremendous boom must carry for many miles. This might be an advantage over flares.

5. Fireworks have a tremendous visual impact. From my experiance, it MUCH better than flares.

I don't expect that I will be purchasing any fireworks in the future for this purpose, but tell me what you think. I am curious.
 
Aside from the fire danger and keeping fireworks water-proof I think some fireworks can be used in a emergency on land.
I have chosen to take along a few sm. ground fireworks in my bag.
A whistling pete is sm/lt&wt. 2 or 3 might be 2oz. I also take a box of flash pots. Laser flash or strobe lights. 6 to a bx. <1oz.
The petes can be heard for miles and the fire danger is easily controled? the flash pots don't make much more of a fountain than the petes. The fl pots are like a mag. flash and flash about 2-3 times per sec. for about 8-10 sec? I'll bet you could see these from orbit!!
If you decide to take any you better buy a few boxes and try them out in your yard first so you know what to expect. and remember that any fountain tube can explode! however I don't think that the pots can explode. they are not in a tube. Just be careful! any fireworks can get away from you!!<><
 
Each year at about this time,July 2-6th., I go out of my way to purchase replacement "smoke boms" for my cars and survival signal kit.
Through experimentation, practice and actual use I find them handy for emergency situations,

Smoke bombs are non-explosive,very light weight and emit a large volume of white smoke for about 10 seconds. I find, when used with a survival whistle, they achieve better results for me than fireworks. The exceptions are a very windy day or in periods of a downpoor of rain. They are especially good for air rescue(altho. the whistle is not needed) as the smoke is heavy, rises upward and draws attention to your location. I find these items either packed with a mixture of fireworks or sold pre-boxed along side fireworks. I believe they are legal in all 50 states...could be wrong. I leave 5 in each car and take 5-6 with me into the wilderness, again...very light weight. Once the fuse is lit, they take about 4 seconds to ignite and smoke.

some police departments and special-ops units ( swat, etc.) use the more professional smoke bombs as forced entry distractions or for ground cover. These units are sold to the public, are much larger, heavier,costly and effective for their intended use. Who sells them? Ahhh, well lets see...a mail order company named Somer Tech (or Shomer Tec.) sells them, but I am not sure of the name nor do I have their address. Perhaps someone else does or knows of a source.

I like smoke bombs and a whistle. I use them and they work.
 
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