They say that injuries from fireworks sold to consumers usually occur as the result of improper handling and a disregard for safety.
The following safety tips have been compiled by the Ontario Provincial Police.
- Follow the laws and regulations regarding the use of fireworks.
- Purchase your fireworks 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 fireworks.
- Always read the Instructions, cautions and warnings on each firework item.
- Store unused fireworks in a closed box away from the firework being lit and do not smoke around the fireworks.
- Set up outdoors in a clear, open space. Light fireworks on a hard, flat and level surface.
- Check the wind and have the wind blowing away from spectators.
- Spectators should be at least the safety distance written on the fireworks label away from the display, keeping constant supervision on children.
- Have a bucket of sand, supply of water and a working fire extinguisher on hand.
- Only adults should handle the fireworks. If you are impaired by alcohol or drugs do not handle the fireworks.
- Light only one firework 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 firework.
- Never hold a lighted firework item in your hand.
- 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.