Fireworks and safety for the long weekend

As communities across the region get ready to celebrate the long weekend, Huron County OPP has released a Canada Day fireworks safety reminder.

Police say the bigger displays are overseen by a trained, certified professional.    And if you are choosing to light "common fireworks", injuries almost always result from improper handling and a disregard for safety. Regulation alone cannot protect the public. It must be combined with personal responsibility and awareness.

The OPP & Canada Safety Council would like to share some fireworks safety tips from purchasing and setting up, to the fireworks show and proper disposal.

• Purchase your fireworks from a reliable source that sells products meeting safety standards
• Stay away from illegal explosives or firecrackers and do not improvise and make your own fireworks
• Always read the Instructions, cautions and warnings on each firework item
• Store unused fireworks in a closed box away from the firework being lit and do not smoke around the fireworks
• Set up outdoors in a clear, open space. Light fireworks on a hard, flat and level surface
• Check the wind and have the wind blowing away from spectators
• Spectators should be at least the safety distance written on the fireworks label away from the display, keeping constant supervision on children
• Have a bucket of sand, supply of water and a working fire extinguisher on hand
• Only adults should handle the fireworks. If you are impaired by alcohol or drugs do not handle the fireworks
• Light only one firework item at a time
• Wear protective eye glasses and gloves. Light at arm's length and then stand back
• Never lean over the fireworks and keep hair and clothes away from fire sources
• Never attempt to re-light a "dud" or defective firework
• Never hold a lighted firework item in your hand
• Sparklers should be immersed in a bucket of sand to cool down after burning out, as they remain very hot for some time
• Fireworks should be disposed of safely and properly

Here is a list of local community displays planned for the long weekend:

Sunday, June 30 Goderich at the Main Beach

Monday, July 1 Tiverton at the ball diamonds Southampton at the Big Flag at the end of Millard Boulevard Wingham at Riverside Park South Huron at the Recreation Centre in Exeter Grand Bend Main Beach (10 p.m.) Holstein at Holstein Park Owen Sound at Kelso Beach Park (10 p.m.)

The displays are expected to start at dusk or 10 p.m. as indicated.