|
Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services Office of the Fire Marshal |
Ministère de la Sécurité communautaire et des Services
correctionnels |
 |
|
Place Nouveau Building 7th Floor 5775 Yonge Street North York ON M2M 4J1 Telephone 416-325-3100 Facsimile: 416-325-3162 |
Édifice Place Nouveau |
|
TORONTO (June 27, 2008) - Instead of setting off fireworks in their backyards or neighbourhoods this Canada Day weekend, the Fire Marshal of Ontario is urging Ontario residents to attend fireworks’ displays hosted by their local municipalities.
Many municipalities have fireworks’ displays run by experts who are trained to handle and discharge fireworks safely. Fireworks can be extremely dangerous if used improperly and for this reason, the fire service does not recommend family fireworks or informal neighbourhood displays.
“Celebrate Canada Day safely with family and friends,” said Pat Burke, Fire Marshal of Ontario. “Avoid fire and burn injuries by attending a professionally held fireworks’ display in your community.”
For those still choosing to have their own fireworks displays, the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) has developed a Fireworks Safety Tips sheet. Important safety precautions such as carefully reading and following the directions on fireworks packaging, keeping a water hose or pail of water available, never giving sparklers to young children and appointing one adult to be in charge of discharging fireworks are some of the OFM’s tips to ensure fireworks are safe for everyone.
Other important fireworks safety tips can be found on the Fireworks Safety Tips sheet at: www.ofm.gov.on.ca
-30-
For more information, contact:
Gina Pontikas, Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-3138
