If your plans this New Year’s Eve include fireworks, the Department of Justice and Public Safety has some tips to protect you and your family.

Using fireworks is an exciting way to ring in the new year, but keep in mind that fireworks are explosive devices and must be used correctly and safely. Please:

• Only use fireworks outdoors in a clear, open area. If applicable, only use 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. It is a good idea to advise neighbours with pets that you intend to use fireworks;
• Ensure all spectators are at least 20 metres away from the fireworks at all times;
• Never allow children to handle, play with, or light fireworks. Only adults (18 years or older) should handle fireworks, and no one that is impaired by alcohol or drugs should ever handle fireworks;
• 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;
• Always have water ready to soak fireworks after they have fired;
• 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;
• Dispose of soaked fireworks in an outdoor, fire-resistant garbage can, away from buildings and flammable materials.

This is the final public advisory of the ‘Tis the Season to Practice Fire Safety campaign that has been ongoing through the month of December. This campaign is meant to ensure residents keep fire safety top-of-mind as they celebrate the holidays. The Department of Justice and Public Safety wishes all residents a safe and happy new year.

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