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.
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.