Safety tips for using fireworks with your family
Transporting and storing your fireworks
Do
- Transport fireworks in the trunk of your vehicle only. If you drive a van or truck, transport fireworks in a non-sparking container with a lid.
- Check the instructions for special handling directions.
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
- Keep fireworks away from children.
Do not
- Never smoke while handling fireworks.
- Do not drop fireworks.
- Do not carry fireworks in your pockets.
Setting up your fireworks
Do
- Clear a large open area away from buildings, vehicles, overhead obstructions, and dry brush or grass.
- For aerial fireworks, allow a minimum of 30 m by 30 m.
- For ground-based fireworks (such as fountains and mines) allow a minimum of 20 m by 20 m.
- Keep all spectators out of this area.
- Check wind direction and wind speed. Fireworks should be lit with the wind blowing away from spectators.
- Keep a charged hose or bucket of water close by in case of a malfunction or fire.
- Carefully read all the instructions for each firework item ahead of time.
- Set fireworks on an appropriate surface.
- For aerial fireworks, bury the device up to its mid-point in a large pail or box filled with earth or sand, or in the ground.
- For ground-based fireworks (such as fountains and mines), set the fireworks on on a hard, flat, level. Lay down wood or plywood over grass.
Do not
- Do not use fireworks indoors; they are designed for outdoor use only.
- Do not use fireworks in streets, lanes, or other public places.
- Do not set off aerial fireworks in strong winds.
- Do not let children or anyone except for the permit holder handle fireworks. Even sparklers burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing.
Lighting your fireworks
Do
- Stand well back when the fireworks have been lit.
- Wear only non-flammable clothing or costumes when igniting fireworks, like cotton and other natural fibres. Never wear synthetic fibres like nylon or polyester when firing.
- Protect your eyes with safety glasses or safety goggles. Regular glasses or sunglasses may actually contribute to an injury, or may make an injury worse.
- During the show, store the unused fireworks away from the firing area and keep them covered to prevent stray sparks from prematurely setting them off.
Do not
- Never hold fireworks in your hand.
- Never point or throw fireworks at people, animals, or property.
- Never let children handle, play with, or set off fireworks under any circumstances.
- Never put any part of your body or head over fireworks.
- Never insert fireworks into containers, like pipes for example.
Cleaning up your fireworks
- Never pick up spent fireworks until your are absolutely sure they are completely out – the tip of a sparkler can get as hot as 1200 degrees Fahrenheit! Other fireworks can get just as hot.
- Wait 30 minutes after the display has finished. Check the firing area for duds, clean up all debris, and check it again the next morning.
- Never attempt to re-light fireworks that have misfired (duds). Wait 30 minutes and then place them in a bucket of water.
