Fireworks Safety

Fireworks are great fun but care and commonsense are vital to ensuring the safety of everyone involved in a display. Here is some information to help your celebration to be safe one.

• Always have the appropriate permits required by your regulating local and state governing body.

• Store your fireworks safely in a closed box in a place that is cool and dry, out of reach of children and animals until the time they are needed - ( locked away is, of course, best).

• Always notify your neighbours, police communications, Civil Aviation, Sea Search Rescue and R.S.P.C.A. of the time and place of the display.

• Always read and follow directions specified on each individual firework label.

• Always have an adult present to supervise your fireworks fun.

• Always buy from a reliable fireworks dealer.

• Alcohol or Drugs and Fireworks do not mix.

• Always use fireworks outdoors, away from homes, dry grass and trees.

• Always have water handy. A water hose close by is excellent or a fire extinguisher and water bucket if not.

• Always only light one item at a time at arms length. Light crouched down besides the firework – never from above it.

• Make sure that all spectators are at least 10 meters away for smaller displays, and at least 30 meters back for larger displays.

• High winds will affect the quality of your display and may create a hazard. Be sure firing area has plenty of surrounding open space. Check for overhead power lines and tree branches.

• Never try to re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks. The best way to make sure it is completely dead is to place it entirely in water.

• Never give ANY fireworks item to small children even after it has been fired.

• Never throw or point fireworks at another person.

• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

• Never shoot (fire) fireworks from metal or glass containers.

• Never experiment, modify or attempt to make your own fireworks.

• After the display use tongs or gloves to collect spent fireworks. Next morning, check again and remove firework debris.

• One more thing to remember! Pets are frightened by loud noises and bright flashes. Keep your pets indoors while enjoying your fireworks.

Remember if in doubt - phone your supplier!