The Canada Day long weekend is a great time to enjoy fireworks with family and friends but St. John’s Regional Fire Department want to make sure residents put off their fireworks safely.

To make the whole experience memorable, the department offers a list of tips for people to follow.

For folks putting off fireworks it is recommended that you wear protective gloves, hats and eye protection; always have water handy; and never use aerial fireworks in windy conditions.

Just like having a designated driver, the department says, it is important to have a designated fireworks shooter. Fireworks and alcohol do not mix.

The department says to wait 30 minutes after the display has finished to begin clean up.

Only purchase from authorized fireworks dealers.

Here’s a helpful guide for firework use:

• Fireworks are for outdoor use only.

• Choose a clear, open area away from obstructions such as buildings, vehicles, overhead obstructions, dry brush and grass. A minimum clear area of 30 m by 30 m for aerial family fireworks such as Roman Candles, and 20 m by 20 m for fountains and other ground-based items is recommended.

• Never use aerial fireworks in windy conditions. When lighting fireworks, take into consideration wind direction and wind velocity. When lighting fireworks, make sure the prevailing wind is blowing away from spectators. Do not fire if wind is strong.

• Wear protective hats, gloves and have eye protection such as goggles.

• Always have water handy (a hose or bucket).

• Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them.

• Always light ground-based fireworks (fountains, mines) on a hard, flat and level surface to ensure stability of the item. Grass is typically not suitable: lay down wood/plywood.

• Bury (do not pile) aerial fireworks such as Roman candles to half its length in the ground or in a
large pail or box filled with earth or sand.

• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a designated shooter.

• Keep children away from fireworks, even sparklers, because they burn at such high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing.

• Always use care and caution when lighting fireworks. Never place any part of your body or head
over the fireworks; never handhold them or insert them into other means or containment such
as pipes; and never point or throw them at people. During the show, store the unused fireworks
away from the firing area and keep them covered to prevent stray sparks from prematurely
setting them off.

• Never attempt to relight fireworks that have misfired (duds). Wait 30 minutes and then place
them in a bucket of water.

• Wait 30 minutes after the display has finished. Check the firing area for duds, clean up all debris,
and check it again in the morning.)