It's peak firework season and customers are lining up to get their hands on “Tankinators,” “Red, White and Booms” and all other kinds of fireworks.
But the National Explosive Task Force is warning retailers to be on the lookout for suspicious customers.
The advisory comes in the wake of the Boston Marathon attack. A federal indictment revealed Tamerlan Tsarnaev purchased dozens of mortars and used parts to build the bombs.
Rocky DiRoma of Phantom Fireworks in Tampa says that's why he trains customers how to properly use fireworks and trains his employees on what to look for when it comes to suspicion and misuse of fireworks.
"If there are certain questions that are asked that might not seem right or that might not be in the normal frame of questioning," said Rocky DiRoma.
A few examples of red flags for retailers could be someone asking to buy a large amount of fuse; how much composition is in a certain product and even blatantly asking for dangerous explosive devices.
"M-80s are not fireworks, they're explosives. We don't carry those and we never have," said DiRoma.
Safety is such a priority at Phantom Fireworks, they even card every single customer before they even get a chance to shop.
When a customer walks in, they have to show identification that they’re at least 18 years old and agree to the store's terms of use.
They’re then entered into the store's national database. If there's a red flag, vendors at all Phantom Fireworks stores will know.
"The misuse of fireworks is disheartening,” said DiRoma. “We want you to feel safe and enjoy whatever season or holiday they're celebrating."
For more information on Phantom Fireworks and their safety policies: http://www.fireworks.com/locations/phantom-tampa/