Officials Put Out List Of Do’s & Don’ts On Fireworks

It’s almost impossible to believe it’s nearly July 1st.

Next to Labour Day, The Canada Day weekend is the biggest holiday of the summer, with drivers heading off to cottage country and families gathering in their backyards for fireworks displays.

But those who are planning to trip the lights fantastic should know that accidents can and do happen, despite your best precautions. 

Remember, although the holiday is three days long, Canada Day is July 1st, a Saturday this year. And that’s when you’re legally supposed to hold your shows. Fireworks are technically only legal for public detonation in your backyard on Victoria Day and Canada Day, except for Scarborough.

They’re forbidden in public parks.

But even though firecrackers have become a tradition for many in their own yards, officials don’t recommend you setting them off there because of the risk of fire or injury.

Fire and police services have issued a list of do’s and don’ts for those planning to set off their own explosives, with reminders about kids, pets and where you buy the night lights.

1.  DO purchase fireworks from a reliable source. They’re only safe if they’ve come from someone who knows how to make them.

2.  DO read and follow the label directions. It’s a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how often people ignore the directions.

3.  DO keep fireworks and sparklers out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard or drawer. Make sure they can’t get to them by storing them properly.

4.  DON’T let your kids light fireworks under any circumstances, even if they want to. Spectators should be kept at least 30 metres or about 100 feet away.

5.  DO discharge fireworks away from combustible materials like buildings, trees, dry grass and obstacles like your barbeque.

6.  DO bury your fireworks at least halfway down into a bucket of sand angled on a trajectory away from spectators and combustibles.

7.  DO have water handy (garden hose and bucket) to soak fireworks after firing.

8.  DO light a firework at arms length, standing back and keeping your face away. 

9.  DON’T attempt to relight a dud. It could still go off and have even less of a wick. Let it sit for several minutes and then douse it with water.

10.  DO douse sparklers with water and allow them to cool in a safe place away from children. The ends of sparklers remain hot for some time, and will easily burn a child’s skin, clothing, or nearby combustible material. 

11.  DON’T use fireworks or sparklers indoors.

12.  DON’T carry fireworks in your pocket. They’re explosives and can go off prematurely even if they’re not lit.

13.  DON’T light fireworks in metal or glass containers

14.  DO return all unused fireworks to where you bought them.

15.  DON’T let your pets out during your fireworks display. They’re easily frightened and could run away. And even if you’re not holding a show, others in your neighbourhood might. Keep them indoors that night and calm them down if they get panicky. Try to walk them before dusk, so they won’t be exposed to the noise.

Unlike Victoria Day, when there were only a few shows to choose from, Canada’s birthday does big fireworks shows up right. Here’s an early preview of where you’ll find the displays on July 1st.

• Ashbridges Bay Park, Lakeshore Blvd. East of Coxwell at 9:45pm
• Centennial Park in Etobicoke, 256 Centennial Park Road at dusk
• Milliken Park, on Alton Towers Cres, south of Steeles between McCowan and Middlefield at 10pm. 
• Stan Wadlow Park, 888 Cosburn Ave. east of Woodbine at 10pm
• Weston Lions Park, Lawrence Ave W and Weston Rd. at 10:15pm
• Downsview Park, southeast of Sheppard Ave. W. and Keele St., 10pm.
• Paramount Canada’s Wonderland at 10:30pm
• Ontario Place’s Festival of Fire at 10:30pm