City provides health and safety tips for Canada Day celebrations

The City of Ottawa wants to provide health and safety tips to help make your Canada Day celebrations memorable – for all the right reasons.

The following tips are courtesy of Ottawa Paramedic Service, Ottawa Public Health, Ottawa Fire Services, By-law and Regulatory Services and Security and Emergency Management: ** Fireworks **

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Purchase fireworks from a reputable retailer and follow the label directions

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Fireworks must be discharged on private property, and by someone 18 years or older

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Fireworks must not cause danger to or nuisance any person and other property

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If you are heading downtown to see the fireworks, keep within designated areas only—fences protect you from danger, do not climb over them to get a better vantage point of the fireworks

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Fireworks often frighten pets. Leave them in the safety and comfort of home

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**
 [
  Fireworks safety tips
 ](http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/emergency-services/fire-services/fireworks-safety-tips)
**

More regulations and requirements are listed on the ** Fireworks By-law on ottawa.ca . ** ** General safety **

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Check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly – including planning ahead where you will seek shelter in adverse weather

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Know the signs and symptoms of
**
 [
  heat illness
 ](http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/public-health/healthy-living/hot-weather)
**
and take action immediately

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Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated when active or outdoors

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Be
**
 [
  Sun Smart
 ](http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/public-health/healthy-living/sun-safety)
**
- wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and light and loose clothing

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Do not bring glass containers downtown as they may accidently break and cause serious injuries to you or someone else

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Wear proper and comfortable shoes and footwear

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If you take medication, bring it with you and include a current list of prescribed medications

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If you do not feel well, please stay home

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Keep a close eye on children and teach them to stay where they are if they get separated from you and know where the nearest lost child tent is located

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If celebrating Canada Day at home, avoid any disturbance to your neighbours by keeping the music down after 11 p.m.

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**
 [
  BBQ tips
 ](http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/emergency-services/fire-services/barbeques-balconies)
**

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**
 [
  Campfires/Outdoor Fireplaces
 ](http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/emergency-services/fire-services/burn-permits)
**

** ** ** Alcohol ** If consuming alcohol, drink responsibly, stay in control and never drink and drive. You can reduce your risk of injury by following ** Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines ** For more information, or for more tips, visit ** ottawa/ca ** or call 3-1-1.