Avoid Injury This Victoria Day by Practising Fireworks Safety

#AskZevBergman

If you plan to celebrate Victoria Day this year by treating your friends and family to a dazzling fireworks display, you should take a few minutes to learn about the laws and the safety practises to keep you out of trouble and free from injuries. Cities and municipalities across Canada have their own by-laws regulating the use of fireworks within their jurisdiction, and simply because it might be legal, does not mean you cannot be held responsible if someone is injured.

Know the laws before you light those fireworks

The Canadian government does not require certification of people using consumer fireworks. Consumer fireworks are defined as being low-hazard and specifically designed for recreational uses. Included in the category of consumer fireworks are the following:

• Sparklers
• Roman candles
• Fountains
• Mines
• Snakes
• Volcanoes

This does not mean, however, that you can begin shooting off Roman candles in your backyard. Local municipal and provincial governments are permitted to control the use of fireworks. Toronto, for example, limits its residents to displaying fireworks on their property, but you can only do so on Canada Day and Victoria Day. Violating the law can lead to hefty fines and other penalties.

Safety tips for an injury-free Victoria Day

If you checked with your local police or fire officials about the bylaws in your city or province pertaining to fireworks, you are almost ready to start your Victoria Day celebration. Before you light the fuse to begin the display, here are a few safety tips and practises that could prevent a celebration from turning into a disaster:

1. Have a fire extinguisher close by, and know how to use it. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, then have a hose nearby hooked up to a water supply.
2. Anyone under the age of 18 should not be allowed to handle fireworks. Besides being unsafe, fireworks in the hands of minors are illegal even if parents or guardians supervise it.
3. Keep all fireworks displays away from flammable materials and gas or propane tanks or lines.
4. Do not approach or attempt to pick up any unexploded fireworks for at least 30 minutes after it failed to explode.
5. Never light a firework while holding it in your hand.
6. Use a container filled with sand or dirt in which to bury the lower half of fireworks that do not come with a base or stand.
7. Wear safety glasses when lighting fuses.
8. Fuses should only be lit at their tips.
9. Store unused fireworks in a cool, dry location away from fire, heat or flame and away from children.
10. Never point fireworks at or in the direction of another person before lighting them.

Getting help when injuries happen

The personal injury lawyers at Diamond and Diamond are there to help in the event you or a loved one is injured. Contact our 24/7 injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT or visit our website to speak to someone now about your claim. Consultations are free, and we have offices located throughout Ontario.