Public Advisory: The 12 Days of Fire Safety – Day 5

  • Municipal Affairs and Environment

December 13, 2019

Using fireworks is an exciting way to bring in the new year, but it is important to remember that they are explosive devices and must be used correctly and safely. If your holiday plan includes lighting fireworks, take the following precautions:

  • 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;
  • Ensure all spectators 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;
  • Always have water ready;
  • Wear eye protection and non-flammable clothing when lighting fireworks;
  • Always bury aerial fireworks to half their length either in the ground or in a large bucket filled with soil or sand;
  • 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 holiday safety.

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment wishes all residents a safe and happy holiday season.

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

2019 12 13 10:10 am