Keep your distance from fireworks

​Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service offers safety tips

With the warm weather upon us, there are many reasons to celebrate during the upcoming long weekend. Fireworks are a popular addition to a holiday, but with them come some safety risks. Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service is reminding residents to exercise caution if they choose to have family fireworks.  

Residents are responsible for what happens to the firework after it is lit. To reduce the risk of injury and property damage, onlookers should be a safe distance away and upwind from where fireworks are discharged. They should not be lit close to combustible materials like buildings, forested areas and dry grass, or if there are strong winds.

Here are other important safety tips:

• Appoint a responsible person to be in charge. Only adults who are aware of the hazards and essential safety precautions should handle and discharge fireworks.
• Carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks’ packaging.
• Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.
• 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, it is best to wait 30 minutes and soak them in a bucket of water. Dispose of them in a metal container.
• Keep sparklers away from children. Sparklers are extremely hot when lit and can ignite clothing, cause blindness and result in severe burns. Sparkler wire remains hot for several minutes after burnout and it should immediately be 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.