Light Up the Night: Navigating Firework Safety

Red, blue, purple, and green — these are just some of the many colours of fireworks that light up the night sky. Throughout the year, families and friends across the world embark on seasonal traditions for Diwali, Christmas, New Year’s celebrations, and more, and one of them might be setting off beautiful fireworks for all to see. At Sandbox, we’re not going to let those “ooohs” and “ahhhs” turn into a “CRASH! BANG! BOOM!” So this year, we’ve outlined some helpful safety tips for you so you can soak in the beauty of the lights and make memories with your family in the way that’s best for you and your surroundings.
 

1. Follow your local laws.
Be sure to brush up on your knowledge of the local laws in your area regarding fireworks. There may be restrictions in place for the types of fireworks that can be used, as well as the areas that are permitted or restricted to set them off. It is always best to double-check before making your purchase.
 

2. Secure a location.
All right, so you checked the rules and regulations surrounding fireworks, and they are permitted in your area. Now what? The next step is to find a safe outdoor area to release the fireworks. We recommend visiting several areas first and examining each of their surroundings. Things to look for are:

• A big, open sky. Don’t be close to any telephone or power poles.
• Be far away from any buildings or structures.
• Find flat ground for easy set-up.
• Stay away from dry grass and deep forest areas, as they can pose a forest fire hazard.
• Ensure that there are no fire bans in place.
• Check for potential flammable materials nearby. 

3. Keep an eye on the weather.
Fireworks cannot be set off in the rain, hail, or snow, and if the winds are swirling, fireworks cannot be released in those conditions either. It’s a good idea to know the wind direction; you want to release them in a way that they go away from the audience who will be watching them and not toward them.
 

4. Safety and Emergency Equipment.
If you’re going to be the one lighting the fireworks, wear protective ear and eyewear as well as gloves. Fireworks get very hot very quickly, and wearing the right gear can save you from getting burned and sparks flying at places they shouldn’t. All fireworks have cautionary labels on them, so it’s critical to read through these in advance before lighting them. When dealing with flammable materials, having a bucket of water and a fire extinguisher on hand can give you that extra security cushion you can utilize if things go horribly wrong.
 

5. Displaying the fireworks.
Now it’s time to ignite the fireworks. The operator should be a trusted adult with the remaining spectators at least 35 feet away. It is best to leave pets at home as the sound of the fireworks can cause hearing damage or frighten animals. Next, plan out which firework you are going to light first, and then proceed down the line with one at a time. When lighting the firework, stand at an arm’s length away and point the firework away from yourself and others. Once it’s lit, step as far back as possible in the brief window of time… or run for the hills.
 

6. Disposing of the materials.
Certain fireworks may have specific disposal measures; be sure to follow the procedures outlined by the firework company of the brand you are using. If there are no instructions, prevent a garbage fire by soaking your fireworks in water before throwing them away. If you encounter a faulty firework, never try to relight it. Just leave it, pour water on it from a distance if possible, and then throw it away.
 

7. Attend a public fireworks show.
After all is said and done, the safest way to prevent losses when using fireworks is to not do it yourself and trust in professionals. These companies use specific brands, have proper equipment and emergency supplies, and can put on a grander display. Find firework show companies in your local area and follow them on social media to stay up-to-date on live events!

Fireworks are truly spectacular when done correctly and can be fantastic photo opportunities with your loved ones. By taking fire safety measures, especially when using fireworks, you can prevent losses year-round. To learn more about loss control, contact the Sandbox Mutual Insurance team.