WINNIPEG – Next Wednesday is Canada Day but all the big celebrations have been cancelled due to CoVid-19 including their fireworks displays.

Fireworks retailers tell Manitoba Post that their sales are spiking as people plan to have their own backyard displays to celebrate the country’s birthday.

One survey says 40 per cent of people plan on buying fireworks, with almost half of them doing so because of coronavirus and the cancellation of big displays.

Red Bomb Fireworks says with more people doing their own thing this year, safety is an even bigger concern than usual.

Dr. Elizabeth Gibson, an orthopedic surgery resident, says people don’t realize just how dangerous fireworks are until they sustain a life-changing injury.

Here’s some good advice from Red Bomb.

Do…

• Check with your municipality to ensure fireworks are authorized for use in your area.

• Read all safety instructions prior use, developing a game-plan for your show.

• Ensure that your firing area has ample room to accommodate the products being used.

• Check with your neighbours to ensure that they are OK with your upcoming show.

• Wear cotton clothing when igniting fireworks, and gear-up with vision and hearing protection.

• Ensure pets are inside before starting your display.

• Keep a garden hose, pail of water, or fire extinguisher at hand when shooting fireworks.

• Clean up after the show!

Don’t…

• Use fireworks under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Plan to use fireworks during a fire ban or when fire restrictions have been posted.

• Shoot fireworks late at night, causing a disturbance for your neighbours.

• Use fireworks in a public place, leaving cartridges or debris behind after the show.

• Hold any fireworks items in your hand – other than sparklers.