Fireworks Safety

Parkland Ambulance Care believes that the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend an exhibition fireworks show handled by professionals, such as one this Canada Day! If you choose to hold a family fireworks show with “common fireworks” sold to consumers, remember that injuries almost always result from improper handling and a disregard to safety. Parkland Ambulance Care would like to share some fireworks safety tips from purchasing and setting up, to the fireworks show and proper disposal.

Purchasing:

• Follow the laws and regulations regarding the use of fireworks. Consult your local municipal bylaw office.
• Purchase your fireworks from a reliable source that sells products meeting safety standards.
• Stay away from illegal explosives or firecrackers and do not improvise and make your own fireworks.

Setting Up:

• Read the Instructions, yes, read the instructions, cautions and warnings on each firework item. One more time for all the fellas, read the instructions.
• Store unused fireworks in a closed box away from the firework being lit and do not smoke around the fireworks. Keep other flammable materials like gasoline, away from fireworks.
• Set up outdoors in a clear, open space. Light fireworks on a hard, flat and level surface to insure stability. Watch the trajectory of the fireworks to avoid bush, trees and houses. Starting a “fire: is not what you intended.
• Spectators should be at least the safety distance written on the fireworks label away from the display, keeping special supervision on children.
• Have a bucket of sand, shovel, supply of water and a working fire extinguisher on hand.

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Fireworks Show:

• Only adults (18 years or over) should handle the fireworks. If you are impaired (alcohol or drugs) do not handle the fireworks.
• Light only one firework item at a time.
• Wear protective eye glasses and gloves. Light at arm’s length and then stand back.
• Never lean over the fireworks and keep hair and clothes away from fire sources.
• Never attempt to re-light a “dud” or defective firework.
• Never hold a lighted firework item in your hand.

Proper Disposal:

• Sparklers should be immersed in a bucket of sand to cool down after burning out, as they remain very hot for some time.
• Fireworks should be disposed of safely and properly. (Source Canada Safety Council)

Injuries hopefully will not happen but if they do most likely will be burns from the intense heat. Do you know how safely treat a burn? First stop the burning process – put out the fire! Two cool the burned area and if possible remove any jewelry. For a small burn, topical ointment to prevent infection can be applied. For a large burn a clean dry dressing a trip to the emergency room is in order. When in doubt call 8-1-1. 8-11 is the Saskatchewan Health Information help line and is only used when a person is awake, talking and not suffering a severe life threatening injury or illness. If that is not the case and you feel immediate medical care is needed call 9-1-1 and do your best till paramedics arrive.

Happy Canada Day Celebrate with friends and family but be responsible in your actions. Wear a life jacket while out on the water no matter the size of the vessel you operate. Drive with care as there will be added traffic. Ensure that whatever you are towing is properly secured and safe to tow. When on the boat, the quad or in the vehicle, eliminate distractions and please do not drink and drive. Have a safe summer filled Canada Day weekend!