To ensure your BLAST-OFF Fireworks display goes off without a hitch, appoint one person to be in charge of your display, and 1-to-4 assistants.
- Sparklers are the only fireworks items designed to be held in the hand.
- Do not smoke or allow open flames near fireworks.
- Do not shoot fireworks under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Choose a wide, clear site for firing, away from overhead obstacles and dry grass. If aerials or shells are in use, keep your audience at least 100 meters back from lighting area.
- Do not purchase illegal fireworks. These do not meet the strict standards set out by Natural Resources Canada, and are therefore extremely hazardous and dangerous. All legal fireworks are tested and authorized for sale in Canada by the Federal Government.
- Prior to use, store fireworks in a cool, dry place. Use caution when positioning fireworks, preventing accidental product damage from dew and ground-level moisture.
- Read the instructions on each item. Different items have different firing instructions.
- Check the wind direction, and angle your fireworks away from the spectators, about 10 degrees off-of-center. Do not shoot fireworks in high winds.
- Do not shoot fireworks out of glass or metal containers. These could crack or explode, sending shards of material outward.
- Never attempt to re-light a misfired fireworks item. Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby to extinguish such items. If an item does not light easily, or fizzles out, do not approach the item for 20 minutes.
- The shooter and his/her assistants should wear snug-fitting cotton clothing, a cotton baseball hat, cotton gloves, safety goggles, and hearing protection to ensure the safe ignition of a fireworks display.
- Do not transport fireworks in your pockets.
- Keep pets indoors while shooting fireworks.
- Check with your neighbours to ensure that they are okay with your upcoming show.
- Be courteous! Do not use fireworks late at night, causing a disturbance for neighbours.
Barrages/Roman Candles
These tube type items should be buried at least one third of their length in sand or soil, with the fuse pointing toward the sky.
Cakes
Any brick-shaped item should be buried one third of it’s height in sand or soil. Ensure that the sand or soil is compacted around the cake.
Floral Items
Items with a plastic base must be placed on a level surface, pointing straight up to the sky. These items do not need to be buried.
Fountains
Fountains do not need to be buried, but should be placed on a level surface. Isolate from other fireworks, avoiding accidental cross-ignition.