Fireworks Safety Tips

With Canada Day celebrations underway the Ottawa Fire Services
would like to remind residents that the Fireworks By-law stipulates consumer
fireworks can only be discharged on Canada Day, the day immediately
preceding it or the day immediately following it. To minimize the risk of
fire and burn injury, family fireworks or informal neighbourhood displays
are not recommended. If you still choose to have your own fireworks display,
here are some important safety tips to follow:

- Only adults must do the handling and
discharging of fireworks. Appoint one person to be in charge, who knows
about the hazards of fireworks and essential safety precautions.
-Carefully read and follow the label
directions on fireworks packaging.

- Always keep a water hose or pail of water
close by.
-Discharge fireworks well away from
combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass.
-Light only one firework at a time, and never
try to light a firework, or hold a lit firework, in your hand.
-Never re-light "dud" fireworks. It is best
to wait 30 minutes and then soak them in a bucket of water. Dispose of them
in a metal garbage can.
-Never give sparklers to small children.
While sparklers are considered to be harmless fun, they burn extremely hot
and can ignite clothing, cause blindness and result in severe burns. As the
sparkler wire remains hot for some minutes after burnout, it should be
immediately soaked in water to avoid injury.
-If someone gets burned, run cool water over
the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention if necessary.

The Ottawa Fire Services would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Canada
Day.

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