Use fireworks safely this festive season
Your box of fireworks could be your pets' worst nightmare this festive season. Use them safely by following these tips.
Many Krugersdorpers are looking forward to some rest and relaxation during the festive season, but with New Year’s Eve still ahead of us, some noise and excitement can be expected, especially since fireworks are one of the things universally associated with celebrations during the festive season.
“The dangers associated with the use of fireworks cannot be emphasised enough,” said Rene Grobler who is the trauma programme manager at a Netcare hospital.
“Injuries caused by fireworks range from minor scrapes to severe burn wounds and amputations, and in many cases those hurt are children under the age of 15.”
Fireworks can also have an extremely stressful effect on animals and pets. Although strict laws exist under the relevant sections of the Explosives Act, the unlawful sale and use of fireworks still remains a big problem.
“If you buy fireworks, remember that only licensed firework dealers are authorised to sell fireworks to the public. They can easily be identified by large signs stating ‘Dealer in fireworks’ displayed inside their stores,”said Rene.
Rene provided Krugersdorpers with the following tips for the safe use of fireworks:
• Steer clear of fireworks with names such as Indian Kings, Classic Foils, Square Bombs and Cherry Bombs, as they are illegal. The public is urged to report the sellers of these fireworks to the police immediately
• Only use fireworks in areas designated by your local municipality
• Read the instructions on the packaging of the fireworks and make sure you follow them. This can include instructions on how to properly light and discard used fireworks safely
• Never light fireworks indoors – they should only be used outside in an open area away from buildings
• Make sure you wear protective safety glasses and gloves when using fireworks
• Always have a fire extinguisher and a bucket of water nearby when lighting fireworks
• Never attempt to make your own fireworks and never light fireworks if you suspect that they are homemade
• Never allow children near fireworks
• Never try to relight fireworks that fail to ignite as they could still react to residual heat and may well explode while you are handling them
Even when all the necessary precautions have been taken, accidents can still happen and you also need to prepare for such an eventuality. Make sure that you have a first aid kit nearby at all times and have emergency numbers saved on your phone in case you need them.
“When someone is hurt by fireworks, initiate first aid immediately and phone an emergency medical service provider such as Netcare 911,” said Rene.
The most common firework injuries are burns. While you wait for the ambulance, run the wound under cold water. Do not apply any ointments to the wound. If a wound is bleeding, cover it with a towel or a piece of fabric and put pressure on it, to slow down the bleeding.”
Related articles:
Extreme NYE fireworks: who’s at fault?
Fireworks safety starts at home
Guy Fawkes Night, is it worth the risk?
