CK firefighter and Canadian flag (Image courtesy of Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue)CK firefighter and Canadian flag (Image courtesy of Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue)
Chatham

CK Fire officials encouraging safety during long weekend

Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue (CKFR) is asking residents to be extra careful when celebrating this Canada Day long weekend.

"We want everyone to have a good weekend, we just don't want any tragedies," said Fire Chief Chris Case.

CKFR has a number of safety tips when it comes to fireworks, the first is to leave firework displays to the professionals and attend an organized event.

If you choose to have your own fireworks, the fire department advises you to purchase them from a reputable seller and store them in a cool, dry place, out of the reach of children.

When setting them off, CKFR reminds you that fireworks should be pointed away from people or any combustible materials such as buildings, trees, or dry grass. A hose or pail of water should also be kept close by.

"Follow the instructions, make sure the person who's letting the fireworks off hasn't had too many beers, and just keep safety in the back of your mind," Chief Case said.

He also said people should be mindful of the municipality's by-laws.

Consumer fireworks can be set off three days before, on, and three days after Canada Day and only on private property.

"Don't let them off after 11 o'clock at night," he added. "The biggest complaint that we get is people who are letting fireworks off through the night."

As it's the first long weekend of the summer, CKFR is also encouraging water safety.

"We want to remind CK residents and those visiting the area about the importance of being water smart," Chief Case said. "As families enjoy local pools, splash pads, and open bodies of water for recreational water activities this Canada Day weekend, it is vital to ensure safety is a priority."

He reminds that children and non-swimmers should always be supervised, not to swim alone, and to always wear a life jacket when on a watercraft.

Chief Case added that safety shouldn't just be considered on open water, saying that there have been multiple backyard pool tragedies in Chatham-Kent over the past few years.

"It's like Christmas, I always say. Nothing can possibly go wrong on Christmas... nothing can possibly go wrong on a nice summer day and it does," he said.

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