If you live in Belleville and plan on lighting fireworks this long weekend there are some rules and regulations you’ll need to remember.
The City of Belleville is reminding residents to use fireworks with caution and to only light them on their own private property.
Lighting fireworks on public property is prohibited as is setting them off between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Monday to Saturday, or 11:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Sundays, under the city’s noise by-law.
City staff say anyone lighting fireworks is also asked to be respectful of neighbours when setting them off.
Some other fireworks safety tips include:
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Be mindful of where debris will land.
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Do not host family or informal neighbourhood fireworks displays.
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Appoint a responsible person to be in charge – only adults who are aware of the hazards and essential safety precautions should handle and discharge fireworks.
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Carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks packaging.
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Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.
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Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass.
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Keep onlookers a safe distance away, upwind from where fireworks are discharged.
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Light only one firework at a time and only when it is on the ground – never try to light a firework in your hand or relight dud fireworks. For dud fireworks, it is best to wait 30 minutes, soak them in a bucket of water and dispose of them in a metal container.
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Discharge fireworks only if wind conditions do not create a safety hazard.
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Keep sparklers away from children – sparklers burn extremely hot and can ignite clothing, cause blindness and result in severe burns. As the sparkler wire remains hot for some minutes after burnout, it should be immediately soaked in water to avoid injury.
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If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention if necessary.
