Firework safety begins with using legal fireworks, keeping water nearby, maintaining a safe distance and avoiding risky weather conditions. When following proper safety tips for fireworks, you can prevent injuries, fires and property damage during backyard celebrations!
Fireworks are a favourite at any age and a highlight of long‑weekend celebrations. With the long weekend approaching, you may be looking to gather with family or friends and put on a fireworks display. When done safely, fireworks can be an enjoyable evening activity. However, things can go south quickly if you aren’t following the correct protocols! There are several firework safety tips to keep in mind, as consequences can affect your home’s safety. Whether you’re celebrating at home or at the cottage, understanding how to set up and enjoy a fireworks display safely can help protect your space and everyone involved.
Key Questions About Firework Safety
What Is The Safest Place To Use Fireworks?
The safest place to use fireworks is an outdoor area away from homes, trees, and vehicles. A large backyard, cul-de-sac or fields work perfectly. Remember never to use fireworks indoors!
What Weather Is The Best For Fireworks?
A clear, calm evening is the best weather for fireworks. Windy or dry conditions can increase the risk of fires and make fireworks unpredictable.
How Should Fireworks Be Disposed Of?
Fireworks should always be disposed of by soaking them in water and placing them in the garbage. This is the case whether they are used or not!
Should You Relight A Firework?
No, you should never relight a firework that fails to go off. If a firework fails to go off or doesn’t work properly, soak it in water and dispose of it!
Fireworks And The Importance Of Safety
Fireworks cause hundreds of injuries across Canada every year, and Ontario sees a significant share of these incidents. This is especially the case around holidays such as Victoria Day and Canada Day. According to the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP), the most common fireworks injuries include burns and eye injuries, with children aged 10-14 accounting for most injuries.
There are several firework safety tips to keep in mind to make your fireworks experience as enjoyable and safe as possible. Let’s take a look!
1. Why Should You Only Use Legal Fireworks?
One of the most crucial fireworks safety tips is to use legal fireworks. Illegal fireworks can be dangerous, especially if purchased from an unreliable seller. Always purchase from legal sellers to ensure your fireworks are safe to use and up to code.
Kaboom is a very reputable company and Canada’s premier fireworks superstore. They have various fireworks, so stick to a tried and true franchise instead of purchasing fireworks from an unreliable company. These fireworks will be safer, much more advanced, and entertaining!
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2. Keep Water Close By
Keeping water nearby will help you extinguish any malfunctioning fireworks. It also prevents grass, garbage, and other nearby surfaces from catching fire. The last thing you want is a fire to occur due to haphazardly using fireworks.
In the event of a serious mishap, having a pail of water on hand is always a good idea when setting off fireworks. It is also essential to ensure you set off your fireworks on a cement surface, away from dry grass or leaves. Also, before throwing your fireworks in the trash, please pour water over them to ensure they are completely extinguished.
3. Keep Your Distance
Once a firework is lit, you should keep your distance. It is recommended to keep at least 50 feet away from a lit firework while it is going off to ensure your safety.
Once the fuse is lit, move back! If you notice the firework was not lit properly, it is necessary to keep your distance. Next, pour some water over the firework if it isn’t working instead of trying to relight it. If a firework isn’t lighting properly, it could be damaged and must be discarded immediately.
4. Can I Use Fireworks Indoors?
No, you should never, under any circumstances, use fireworks indoors or in any outdoor spaces that are small or enclosed.
This tip may seem obvious, but you should always make sure you shoot fireworks in a large, open outdoor space. A park, a cul-de-sac, or a large backyard with farmland are all great options. Using fireworks indoors is incredibly dangerous and will almost automatically lead to injuries. Your main goal is to ensure you don’t hit any trees or the roofs of any surrounding homes.
5. Wear Tight-Fitted Clothing
Wear tight-fitting clothing when setting off fireworks to avoid fire hazards or injuries. Baggy clothing around lit fires can be highly hazardous.
6. Can I Hold Fireworks While They Are Lit?
Never hold fireworks when they are lit. When lighting fireworks, make sure they are firmly planted in the ground. Fireworks are highly flammable, so one of our safety tips is to keep your distance from lit fireworks and avoid holding them in your hands. Not only is this extremely dangerous to yourself, but you also risk harming the people around you.
7. Discarding Used Fireworks
Firework safety tips remain important even after the last one has gone off. Before discarding the waste from your fireworks show, soak both used and unused fireworks in water for a few hours. This will prevent further explosions and allow them to cool. If the fireworks are still active, even slightly, when thrown out, other pieces of garbage can catch fire.
8. Is It Safe To Use Fireworks In Windy Weather?
No, it is never safe to use fireworks in windy weather! Always make sure you are hosting your fireworks display on a clear night! Not only will a clear night provide the best conditions for fireworks, but strong winds can be hazardous. This is because strong winds will move your fireworks across the sky too quickly. They can easily contact other houses, buildings, or trees and start a fire. Also, this is extremely important to note if you’re hosting a backyard BBQ!
9. Don’t Forget Sparklers
Although sparklers may seem safer and easier than fireworks, they have their hazards. The main hazard is their heat. Sparklers are incredibly hot to the touch and are often held very close to the face. It is effortless to get injured by sparklers, no matter your age. Always make sure you are using sparklers safely by keeping them away from your friends and your face!
Celebrate Safely With These Firework Safety Tips
Fireworks can make any celebration memorable, but safety should always come first! By using legal fireworks, keeping water nearby, maintaining a safe distance and avoiding windy conditions, you can reduce the risk of injuries or damage to your property.
Whether you’re attending a public display or lighting them at home, making safety a priority is critical to ensuring your fireworks show is successful and safe! If you’d like to learn more about protecting your property with home insurance, contact us at isure today!
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