To minimize the risk of fire and burn injuries this Victoria Day weekend, Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services urges residents to use fireworks safely.

"Fireworks can be extremely dangerous. For this reason, family fireworks or informal neighbourhood displays are not recommended," says Fire Chief Doug Barfoot.

If you still choose to have a family fireworks or an informal neighbourhood display, here are some important safety tips to be followed:

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.
Carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks packaging.
Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.
Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass. Display must be more than 50m from hospital, care facility or fuel station.
Keep onlookers a safe distance away, upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.
If you let off fireworks in your backyard you must ensure that they stay on your property and do not stray on to neighbouring properties.
Light only one firework at a time and only when they are on the ground. Never try to light a firework in your hand or re-light dud fireworks. For dud fireworks, it is best to wait 30 minutes and soak them in a bucket of water. Dispose of them in a metal container.
Discharge fireworks only if wind conditions do not create a safety hazard.
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.
If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention, if necessary.

source: media release, Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services