Whether you are celebrating Canada Day, a graduation, a wedding or a beautiful summer evening, fireworks are sure to make your party a blast! With the help of the following tips and guidelines, you can treat your guests to an outstanding fireworks show.

Start with safety

To ensure your fireworks display goes off easily and safely, appoint one person to be in charge of your display and one to four assistants. Be sure that everyone is familiar with the following safety tips and instructions:

1.  Fireworks are for outdoor use only; never use indoors.
2. Prior to use, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
3. Choose a wide, clear site for firing, away from overhead obstacles and dry grass. Keep your audience at least 30 metres back from lighting area.
4. Check the wind direction, and angle your fireworks away from spectators.
5. Read the instructions on each item. Different items have different firing instructions.
6. Keep a bucket of water or home fire extinguisher nearby.
7. The shooter and his/her assistants should wear snug-fitting cotton clothing and a cotton baseball hat for protection from sparks.
8. Do not smoke or allow open flame near fireworks.
9. Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
10. Keep pets indoors while shooting fireworks.                            

Setting up your fireworks

To guarantee that your fireworks display is a complete success, ensure all items are properly buried and secured prior to ignition. A large pail of sand, a snowbank or loose dirt can be used to secure most fireworks.

Tube-type fireworks
• These must be buried at least one third of their length in sand or soil.
• The fuse must be pointing toward the sky.

Plastic-Base Fireworks
• Place on a level surface and point up to the sky.
• These items do not need to be buried.

Brick Fireworks
• Any item resembling a brick must be buried one third of its height in the sand or soil.
• Ensure that you pack the sand or soil around the sides.

Igniting your fireworks

Safety: Check! Fireworks: Check! Set up: Check! Now it is show time! Here are four great ways to light your fireworks. Remember: never attempt to re-light a misfired firework.

• BBQ Lighter
• Torch
• Road Flare
• Electronic Firing System

Before you launch your spectacular fireworks display, it is extremely important that you consult with your local fire department or municipal office, verifying that fireworks can be ignited within your community! Light up the sky at  your next celebration with the bright selection of fireworks
found at your local Co-op.