Safety & Recommendations

Safety & Recommendations When Using Fireworks

ALWAYS follow all safety instructions on the firework label.
DO NOT HOLD IN HAND!!
Keep all fireworks away from children. Fireworks are R18 in NZ.
Never place any part of your body over a firework when lighting it.
Light one firework at a time and keep other fireworks that are not being lit at a safe distance.
Check your surroundings. Make sure there are no buildings, plants, trees or dry materials close by.
Use only outdoors.
Have a bucket of water or a hose handy.
Never point a firework at a person or animal!
Never hold a firework in your hand
Never use alcohol or drugs when lighting fireworks.

Storage:

The best way to store fireworks is in their original packaging.
Store in a cool, dry place.
Store away from ignition sources, or anything that could create heat or a spark.
Do Not store near any other Dangerous Goods.

Disposal:

For Used Fireworks: Soak in a bucket of water over night and then place the wet fireworks in a bag or wrap in newspaper and dispose in rubbish bin.
For Unused Fireworks: The safest way to dispose of live fireworks is to follow all safety instructions and ignite / light the fireworks. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, consider giving these to another person. If this is not possible we recommend speaking to your local Police station or email us.
Damaged Fireworks: If you have damaged fireworks, please contact your local Police station or email us.

Good Tips:

When using fireworks, please try to give your neighbours a heads up before you do them.
Use fireworks at a reasonable time. We recommend not using fireworks after 10pm at night. Obviously we realise people will use them for New Years Eve and Guy Fawkes, so these are a good exception, but otherwise please think of others and use them at a respectable hour.
Animals - Please make sure your animals are secure when using fireworks. Also please advise your neighbours if they have animals. When in rural areas it is a good idea to give your neighbours a heads up well in advance.
A good tip is to have animals inside with the curtains closed and a radio or television on for background noise.
Fire Risk - If there is a fire ban or the area is very dry, please try to avoid using fireworks or at least have a plan in place should a fire start. Always keep a good supply of water on hand. It is a good idea to wet down the area close by prior and have a long hose ready to go. Another good idea is to use a weed sprayer or backpack sprayer and have this full of water. These are also very handy for wetting down any embers etc after your show.

Animals:

Never light fireworks close to animals.
It is a good idea to alert your neighbours before using fireworks in case they have animals.
For small pets such as cats and dogs - A helpful tip is to have them inside with the curtains closed and some music or the TV going to distract them and help cover any sound from the fireworks.
For farm animals - Keep as far away from fireworks as possible and if possible it is a good idea to have animals such as horses inside with music playing.
Always think of animals close by before lighting fireworks.

Emergency Contact Details

Emergency (Fire, Police, Ambulance) – 111
Poisoning (NZ Poisons Centre) – 0800 POISON (0800 764 766)
Hazardous Substance Emergency Response (Responsible Care NZ) – 0800 CHEMCALL (0800 243 622)