Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services are asking CK residents to be extra careful this Canada Day.
To avoid fire and burn injuries, they recommend attending fireworks displays. If you choose to have your own fireworks displays, Public Educator Whitney Burk says there are certain responsibilities when it comes to buying, storing, and setting off fireworks.
Some helpful tips for working with fireworks include:
- Never store fireworks in your vehicle. Keep in a cool dry place, and away from children
- Hot sparklers can burn – keep them away from children
- Appoint a responsible person to be in charge of the fireworks
- Read and follow package directions carefully.
- Keep a hose or bucket of water close by.
- Set off fireworks away from buildings, trees, or dry grass
- Keep your audience a good distance away from the fireworks, and upwind of the area.
- Light them one at a time, and only when they are on the ground.
- Never light fireworks in your hand, or attempt to re-light dud fireworks.
- If you have a dud firework, wait 30 minutes and then soak them in water and dispose of them in a metal container.
- In the case of a burn, run cool water the wound for several minutes, and seek medical attention if necessary.
- If using wheel-type fireworks, securely nail them to a fence or post and allow for spinning clearance.
- Be extra careful when children are around
List courtesy of CK Fire & Emergency Services.
