Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services asks residents to be extra careful when celebrating Canada.
To minimize the risk of fire and burn injury, CKFES recommends attending public fireworks displays.
“If you choose to have a family or an informal neighbourhood fireworks display, remember there are responsibilities when it comes to selling, purchasing, storing and setting off fireworks,” Public Educator Whitney Burk said. “We want to ensure everyone’s Canada Day celebrations are both enjoyable and safe.”
During the summer, retailers can sell fireworks on the days leading up to Canada Day and Canada Day itself. The sale of fireworks is then prohibited until ten days prior to New Year’s Day.
Never store fireworks in your vehicle. Fireworks should be stored in a cool dry place away from children.
Fireworks can be set off three days prior to and three days after Canada Day until 11 p.m.
Setting off fireworks on public property is prohibited unless permission from the Municipality is obtained.
Firecrackers are strictly prohibited.
Keep sparklers away from children. Hot sparklers can burn.
Appoint a responsible person to be in charge.
Carefully read and follow the directions on fireworks packaging.
Always keep a hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.
Discharge fireworks away from combustible materials such as buildings, trees or dry grass.
Keep onlookers a safe distance away, upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.
Light only one firework at a time and only when they are on the ground.
Never try to light a firework in your hand or re-light dud fireworks.
For dud fireworks, wait 30 minutes, soak them in a bucket of water and then dispose of them in a metal container.
If someone is burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention, if necessary.
If using wheel-type fireworks, nail them securely to a post or fence and allow spinning clearance.
Be especially vigilant with children around.
