Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services wants everyone to be safe this holiday weekend and is reminding residents that fireworks can be extremely dangerous; causing fires and serious burn injuries. To minimize your risk, CKFES recommends attending public fireworks displays.
If you choose to have a family or an informal neighbourhood fireworks display, remember there are responsibilities for selling, purchasing, storing and setting off fireworks.
Retailers can sell fireworks from now until Canada Day. The sale of fireworks is then prohibited until ten (10) days prior to New Year’s Day.
Fireworks can be set off three (3) days prior to and three (3) days after Victoria Day (May 21, 2018) until 11pm. Setting off fireworks on public property (parks, streets, etc.) is prohibited unless permission from the Municipality is obtained.
Never store fireworks in your vehicle. Fireworks should be stored in a safe cool dry place away from where children could access them.
Firecrackers are strictly prohibited.
For more information please visit:https://www.chatham-kent.ca/Licensing/Documents/Business/Fireworks%20By-law%2056-2016.pdf
CKFES is reminding residents:
– Keep sparklers away from children. Hot sparklers can burn.
– Appoint a responsible person to be in charge.
– Carefully read and follow the directions on fireworks packaging.
– Keep a hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.
– Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials such as buildings, trees or dry grass.
– Keep onlookers a safe distance away, upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.
– Light only one firework at a time and only when they are on the ground.
– Never try to light a firework in your hand or re-light dud fireworks.
– For dud fireworks, wait 30 minutes, soak them in a bucket of water and then dispose of them in a metal container.
– If someone is burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention, if necessary.
– If using wheel-type fireworks, nail them securely to a post or fence and allow spinning clearance.
– Be especially cautious with children around.
To learn more about fireworks safety or to obtain fireworks applications, visit www.ckfes.ca
