3 Halloween fireworks safety tips to avoid blowing off your fingers

If you're planning to light up the sky this Halloween weekend, the last thing you need is an impromptu trip to the emergency room.

• Halloween fireworks keep Vancouver firefighters busy
• Vancouver fireworks store catches fire

Daybreak Kamloop's Doug Herbert met up with Kamloopsfire captain Sheldon Guertin for some quick safety tips to avoid unnecessary fines and injuries.

1. Make sure it's legal

Canada has tight regulations on fireworks, including a ban on bottle rockets and screecheroos, said Guertin.

To make sure you aren't buying contraband, check the label.

"If there's French on the label, they're allowed to be here," Guertin said.

In addition, check with your local authority to see what the permitting requirements are for the purchase and discharge of fireworks.

• Where are Halloween fireworks legal in Metro Vancouver?
• B.C. Fireworks Act
• City of Vancouver fireworks regulations

2. Follow the label instructions

"It's unpredictable where those fireworks are going," said Guertin, who recommends following the manufacturer's guidelines when burying your fireworks in pots of sand or wheelbarrows to make sure they don't fall over when lit.

"Everybody's probably seen that internet video where that little dog grabs the roman candle, runs around, is chasing everybody shooting these roman candles everywhere."

"It may be funny to watch, but I think if you're experiencing that yourself, it wouldn't be very good."

Ladyfingers, as another example, are small, tightly-packed firecrackers with short wicks that are usually strung together.

"If you don't light it right and they're in your hand ... this can easily take off your finger."

3. Consider hiring a professional

If you're considering having a neighbourhood block party or a community fireworks show, Guertin recommends hiring a professional fireworks display technician.

"It would eliminate those nuisance callsthatwe get, andpeople having the fear that their neighbours are going to burntheir house down with the inappropriate use of fireworks.

"They are the pros. They deal with this stuff all the time."

To hear the fullpiece, listen to the audio labelled:Kamloops fire chief has tips for setting of fireworks.