Fireworks can be entertaining during the holiday season, but it is important to remember that they are not toys; they are explosive devices and must be used correctly to avoid fire. If you intend to light fireworks during the holiday season, take the following precautions to help ensure a safe and enjoyable show:

• Only use fireworks outdoors in a clear, open area in an approved location designated by a community, city or fire department;
• Monitor wind strength and direction to ensure fireworks do not impact buildings, vehicles, overhead obstructions, or dry brush/grass;
• Respect your neighbours and their properties;
• Be aware of the impact fireworks can have on family pets. Advise neighbours with pets that you intend to use fireworks so that they can be certain that their pets are secure at home with windows and curtains closed;
• Ensure all spectators, especially children, are at least 20 metres away from the fireworks;
• Only adults (18 years or over) should handle fireworks. No one that is impaired by alcohol or drugs should ever handle fireworks;
• Never allow children to handle, play with, or light fireworks; even sparklers burn at a high enough temperature to ignite clothing or burn flesh and the sparks can injure the eyes;
• Carefully read the instructions on each individual firework package ahead of time;
• Always have water ready if you are using fireworks;
• Wear eye protection and non-flammable clothing when lighting fireworks;
• Always light ground-based fireworks from a sturdy, level surface. Grass is not suitable;
• Always bury aerial fireworks to half their length either in the ground or in a large bucket filled with soil or sand;
• To prevent a spark from setting off fireworks prematurely, ensure extra fireworks are stored and covered a safe distance away from those being lit;
• Dispose of soaked fireworks in an outdoor, fire-resistant garbage can away from buildings and flammable materials; and
• Wait 30 minutes before attempting to pick up misfired fireworks and never attempt to re-light them. After retrieving them, soak them in water along with used fireworks.

Follow the department on Twitter @MAE_GovNL for more holiday safety tips during the holiday season.

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment wishes all residents a safe and happy holiday season. Thank you to all firefighters, fire departments, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services for your dedication throughout the year.

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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca