Only adults should deal with setting up firework displays, the lighting of fireworks and the safe disposal of fireworks once they have been used (and remember, alcohol and fireworks don’t mix!). Children and young people should be supervised, and watch and enjoy fireworks at a safe distance. Follow these tips for a safer fireworks party:
1. Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and check the time you can legally set off fireworks.
2. Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. If older children are playing with fireworks, always have adult supervision.
3. Keep your fireworks in a closed box, and use them one at a time.
4. Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary.
5. Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back.
6. Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
7. Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
8. Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
9. Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
10. Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
11. Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
12. Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.
13. Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.
14. Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
15. Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
16. After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.
17. Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
18. Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.
The following precautions should be taken when attending a public fireworks display:
Obey safety barriers and ushers.
Stay a minimum of 500 feet from the launching site.
Resist the temptation to pick up firework debris when the display is over. The debris may still be hot. In some cases, the debris might be “live” and could still explode.
Post time: Oct-14-2022