SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — There are still two full days ahead in which fireworks can be fired off in the state, but in the event that not all shells are used, how should they be kept for the next occasion?
We spoke with Barry Bakken, who runs a firework stand near Sioux Falls. He says most of your fireworks will keep year-to-year.
“The main thing is keeping it dry,” Bakken said. “Make sure you’re keeping it where it’s not going to get moisture.”
For their own fireworks, Bakken says they try to repackage then in the original boxes they came from, which he says have a protective lining. After that, they go into a building that is dry and secure from rodents.
“Some fireworks — for the weight — some actually have grain in there,” said Bakken, noting that this would potentially draw rodents.
If your fireworks do sustain damage from water or rodents, Bakken recommends not using them. “If it’s been something that a mouse ate at, you could light it and it could project out the side of it instead of where it’s supposed to be,” Bakken said, adding that in terms of moisture damage, the product may simply not work anymore.
In terms of shelf life, Bakken says not to sweat age, as long as the product is undamaged. “I remember having stuff for well over five years,” he said.
Bakken’s final advice is to try to store your pyrotechnics in something sealed, like a tote, rather than out in the open.
