Missile Technology on the Cheap.

Step 5 Safety (this bit is really important, so please read it carefully)

Being safe with Water-rockets

Avoid crowds, pylons, built-up areas and airfields (a bottle sucked into an engine could have fatal consequences).

Don't lean over the rocket.

Don't point it at anybody.

Never launch it more than 30 degrees from the vertical.

Don't launch if winds could carry the bottle out of your chosen safe area.

Being Safe With A-S Rockets.

Avoid areas that don't like getting wet, such as living rooms or anywhere near electrical equipment.

Don't launch in rooms with low ceilings.

Don't lean over the rocket.

Don't point it at anybody.

Being safe With Matchstick Rockets

Avoid crowds and flammable surroundings. Matchstick rocketry and soft furnishings or carpet do not mix well.

Don't lean over the rocket.

Don't point it at anybody.

Do not launch matchstick rockets vertically - you risk getting singed as the gases jet down towards your hand.

Make sure that you are not wearing loose clothing and that long hair is tied back, as these can catch hot rockets and ignite.

Keep your fire-control materials handy.

Run minor burns (for instance, if you pick up a hot rocket too early) under a cold tap for several minutes, then apply burn ointments if required.

Comments

[Thomas MSwift]

Had it been MY article, this step would have been the very first one...maybe more general in order to not share EVERYTHING you were doing!

[Kiteman]

I see your point, but piling on the nanny stuff up-front tends to put people off, and it's generally assumed that readers will go through *all* the steps before actually following them.