Purchasing Fireworks:
- Follow the federal and local laws and regulations regarding safe use.
- Purchase from a reliable source that sells products meeting safety standards.
- Stay away from illegal explosives or firecrackers and do not improvise and make your own.
Setting Up:
- Read the instructions. This is worth repeating: read the instructions, cautions and warnings on each firework item.
- Store unused units in a closed box away from the unit being lit and do not smoke around them.
- Set up outdoors in a clear, open space. Light fireworks on a hard, flat and level surface to insure stability.
- Check the wind and have the wind blowing away from the spectators.
- Spectators should be at least the safety distance written on the fireworks label away from the display, keeping special supervision on children.
- Have a bucket of sand, supply of water and a working fire extinguisher on hand.
Fireworks Show:
- Only adults (18 years or over) should handle the fireworks. If you are impaired (alcohol or drugs) do not handle them.
- Light only one item at a time.
- Wear protective eye glasses and gloves. Light at arm’s length and then stand back.
- Never lean over the fireworks and keep hair and clothes away from fire sources.
- Never attempt to re-light a “dud” or defective unit.
- Never hold a lighted firework item in your hand.
Proper Disposal of Fireworks:
- Sparklers should be immersed in a bucket of sand to cool down after burning out, as they remain very hot for some time.
- Fireworks should be disposed of safely and properly.
Credit: Canada Safety Council