It is important for the citizens of Chatham-Kent to remember that there are legal and safety requirements to protect themselves and others when it comes to fireworks.

Chatham-Kent Municipal by-law #44-2005 allows for the purchase and discharge of “family fireworks” up to 7 days preceding plus up to 7 days following Victoria Day and Canada Day or any other day that Chatham-Kent Council proclaims an applicable holiday. The use of fireworks is restricted to those over 18 years of age unless directly supervised by persons 18 years of age or older and the use of family fireworks is permitted only on land owned by the person or with written permission from the landowner.

Family fireworks are low hazard fireworks for recreation and include but is not limited to fireworks showers, fountains, golden rain, lawn lights, pinwheels, roman candles, volcanoes, sparklers and other similar devices. Fireworks do not include Christmas crackers and paper caps, containing not more than twenty-five one-hundredths of a grain of explosives on average per cap, devices for use of such caps, safety flares or marine rockets.

Basic rules when handling fireworks:

• Choose a safe place to let off your fireworks, check there is plenty of open space
• Store and carry your fireworks carefully and safely. Keep them out of reach of children, and away from heat and flames. Store them in a closed box and do not carry them in your pockets
• Always read the instructions on the firework and follow them
• Light your firework at arms length and stand your fireworks in dirt or sand, or on a firm flat surface
• Keep clear of fireworks which have been lit, but haven’t gone off
• Keep animals inside
• Never throw fireworks
• Water should be readily available in case of an emergency, as well as access to a phone