New Year's Eve Fireworks Safety

While fireworks are exciting to see, they are very dangerous if not used properly. That’s the reason you see all those warnings on fireworks. Consumer fireworks are powerful pyrotechnic devices and, for this reason, you must follow Canada’s laws for safe and secure use of fireworks. Be sure to know the laws, know your space and read all instructions.

The most common injuries due to fireworks can be impairments such as missing fingers, limbs and vision loss. The St. John’s Regional Fire Department is reminding citizens to handle these devices with care and caution during times of celebration. By following the safety tips listed below, your event will be safer and more enjoyable for both family and friends:

1. Read all instructions on the fireworks. Plan the order of firing before you begin.
2. Never try to light a firework while holding it, and never pick up or hold a lit firework unless the manufacturer’s instructions indicate that they can be hand-held.
3. Before setting up your display, keep fireworks in a cool, dry, ventilated place, out of the reach of children.
4. Do not fire in windy conditions.
5. Choose a wide, clear site away from all obstacles. Refer to the safety instructions on the fireworks labels for minimum distances from spectators.
6. Light carefully: Always light the fuse at its tip.
7. Use a good firing base such as a pail filled with earth or sand.
8. Wait at least 30 minutes before approaching a firework that did not go off. Never try to relight a firework that did not go off. Never try to fix a firework that is defective. Return any defective fireworks to the place of purchase.
9. Bury fireworks that do not have a base halfway in a container of earth or sand (such as a pail, box or wheelbarrow) unless the labels on the fireworks indicate otherwise. Set them at a 10-degree angle, pointing away from people.
10. An adult must supervise people under 18 years old when using or in the vicinity of fireworks.
11. You are permitted to own and store up to 10 kilograms of consumer fireworks in a dwelling (such as a house or apartment).
12. You must store the consumer fireworks away from flammable substances and sources of ignition and protect them from theft. You must ensure that they can only be accessed by people you have authorized.
13. Keep water nearby. Soak used fireworks (including debris) in a pail of water and then dispose of them in your household garbage.
14. Safety glasses are strongly recommended.
15. Check your municipal bylaws to see when consumer fireworks are permitted to be used.

The SJRFD would like to wish all citizens to have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!