Firework Safety & Guidelines

Firework Safety Instructions

For your safety and the safety of others, please read all instructions thoroughly before using fireworks.

1. Follow the laws
   Follow your local and provincial laws regarding the purchase, possession and use of family fireworks
2. Only purchase authorized fireworks from reliable dealers 
   All vendors within the Gander municipal jurisdiction are required to have a permit for the sale of fireworks. All authorized fireworks will have a bilingual label
3. Transport safely
   Always transport fireworks in your trunk or, in the absence of a trunk in a non-sparking container with a lid. Do not smoke while loading, transporting, or unloading fireworks
4. Store fireworks properly
   Always store fireworks in a cool, dry place and away from children. The maximum amount of fireworks that can be stored in a dwelling is 10kg (22lb) gross weight. Any amount more than this must be stored in a separate, locked building.
5. Only use fireworks outdoors
   Fireworks are designed for outdoor use only. Never discharge family fireworks in, into, or
   1. on any building, structure, doorway, or vehicle
   2. any highway, street, lane, square, road or other public place; and
   3. any and that they do not own unless the owner thereof has given written permission
6. Choose a clear, open areaOnly use fireworks in an open area away from buildings, vehicles and overhead obstructions such as power lines, and dry brush/grass. A minimum clear area of 30m x 30m is required for the safe use of aerial fireworks such as Roman Candles and 20 m x 20 m for fountains or other ground-based items.
7. Check wind direction and wind speed
   Fireworks should be lit with the prevailing wind blowing away from spectators.
8. Have a nearby water source
   Keep a garden hose or bucket of water close by in case of a malfunction.
9. Use ground based fireworks on a hard surface
   Always light ground-based fireworks (fountains or mines) on a hard, flat, level surface to ensure stability. Grass is typically not suitable; lay down wood/plywood.
10. Bury aerial fireworks
    For aerial fireworks, bury the device to half its length in the ground or in a large pail filled with earth or sand. Simply piling earth or sand against the base of an aerial firework will not provide sufficient stability or safe containment in the event of a mishap.
11. Keep spectators safe
    Keep all spectators at least 20 m away
12. Use the proper eye protection and wear non-flammable clothing
    Protect your eyes with safety glasses. Regular prescription glasses or sunglasses provide little or no protection and may contribute to an injury. Wear non-flammable clothing such as cotton; never wear synthetic fibers (nylon, polyester) when firing.
    
13. Keep children away from fireworks
    Never let children handle, play or fire fireworks under any circumstances. Even sparklers which are considered by many as “safe” fireworks for children, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing.
14. Use care when handling fireworks
    Take care when handling fireworks to prevent dropping them. Do not carry fireworks in your pockets. Never smoke while handling fireworks.
15. Use care when firing fireworks
    When lighting, never put any part of your body or head over the firework; never hold them or insert them into other means of containment such as pipes and never point or throw them at people. During the show, store unused fireworks away from the firing area and keep them covered to prevent stray sparks from prematurely setting them off.
16. Duds or misfires
    Never attempt to relight fireworks that have misfired. Wait 30 minutes and then place them in a bucket of water.
17. Clean up after the show
    Wait 30 minutes after the display has finished. Check the firing area for duds, clean up all debris and dispose. Check for debris in a 30 m circumference around the firing area for any debris that may have drifted away. Check the area the next morning for any debris that may have been missed.
18. Debris
    Unburnt debris can be harmful to pets as the chemicals from the fireworks are still present. Once the fireworks have been fired all chemicals are absorbed during the firing process. All debris should be cleaned up as this can be a choking hazard to animals.
19. Pets
    Check with your neighbors if they have pets and let them know you will be firing fireworks that evening and what time the show will start.