Fireworks Safety Tips for Canada Day from Clarington Emergency and Fire Services
Clarington Emergency and Fire Services has issued safety tips for residents planning to celebrate Canada Day with fireworks. Residents are reminded to be considerate of their neighbors when discharging fireworks. In Clarington, By-law No. 2015-047 regulates the discharge and sale of fireworks, allowing residents to discharge them only between dusk and 11 p.m. on the three days leading up to and including Canada Day.
Fireworks Safety Tips:
Don’ts: - Do not discharge fireworks on municipal property, public parks, or open spaces without a permit. - Do not discharge fireworks on highways or roads. - Do not light fireworks in windy conditions. - Do not attempt to re-light a defective firework. - Do not hold a lit firework in your hand.
Do's: - Always read the instructions first. - Use a stable discharge base, such as a bucket filled with sand. - Set up fireworks in a clear, open space on your property, away from obstacles. - Check the safety instructions on the fireworks label for the minimum distance from spectators. - Only adults should handle fireworks. - Keep water, sand, or a fire extinguisher on hand. - Wait at least 30 minutes before approaching a firework that did not go off, and submerge it in water. - Respect your neighbors and their property. - Store fireworks in a cool, dry, ventilated place out of reach of children. - Clean up all debris from the fireworks.
Sparkler Safety Tips: - Ensure everyone handling sparklers wears protective gloves. - Avoid loose-fitting or flowing clothing. - Children should only use sparklers under adult supervision, and they are not suitable for children under five years old. - Hold sparklers at arm’s length while lighting and only light one at a time. - Maintain a safe distance from others using sparklers and do not wave them around close to others. - After a sparkler has burned out, place it, hot end down, in a bucket of cold water or sand.
Residents are encouraged to be aware of their neighbors, as not everyone enjoys fireworks. It is advised to inform neighbors of any planned displays and to clean up safely after use. For more fire safety tips, residents can visit the Clarington Fire Safety page.