New Canaan Fire Marshal Offers Fireworks Safety Tips For Residents

NEW CANAAN, CT — The New Canaan Fire Marshal's office has provided a number of fireworks safety tips for residents ahead of the Fourth of July holiday week.

According to a news release provided by the fire marshal's office, the Fourth of July can be a fun time for residents to enjoy warm weather and family events.

"Before your family celebrates this year, the New Canaan Fire Marshal's office wishes to make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety," the release reads.

The following safety guidelines were provided by the New Canaan Fire Marshal's office:

• Only sparklers and "shower" type fireworks are legal to sell and use in Connecticut. No aerial or exploding type fireworks are permitted to be sold or used in the state. (Go to the Family Fourth of July Celebration, you will see a tremendous professional show!)
• Only persons 16 years and older may use the above fireworks.
• Always keep at least 30 feet away from spectators and structures and strictly follow manufacturer's instructions.
• Make sure you are in a clear, open area with no dried vegetation or other combustibles that can easily ignite.
• Never ignite fireworks while holding them – always have a level, stable surface to set them on.
• Do not lean over a display when igniting.
• Always have a garden hose or bucket of water available.
• If a display fails to discharge (a dud), NEVER look into it or pick it up – let it sit and then dunk it in a pail of water.
• Be extremely careful of sparklers – the metal sticks become red hot and can cause severe burns – have a bucket of water available to dunk them in when they have expired.
• Don't throw used fireworks directly in the trash – keep them in a separate noncombustible container for at least 24 hrs. or soak them in a bucket of water to make sure there are no hot embers.
• Be mindful of neighbors and their safety.

More information about July 4th 2024 fireworks and events around New Canaan is available here.