Fireworks should be handled with care during the November and New Year’s Eve Celebrations! Firework Displays are magical ways of enhancing special occasions and festivals, and are used on a large scale during Guy Fawkes, Divali and New Year’s Eve Parties. Rather go to Public Firework Displays that are bigger, brighter and much safer (authorized, with strict safety measures). Fireworks affect residents, their pets and other animals and birds in the area – animals are frightened and terrorized by the noise of exploding fireworks.
Some municipalities in South Africa have banned fireworks completely, while others occasionally grant permission for fireworks to be exploded in certain areas. Most common fireworks injuries involve the hands, fingers, eyes, head, and face (in severe cases even loss of limbs and vision).
Fireworks Safety Tips:
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area.
- Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
- Read and follow all warnings and instructions on the caution labels.
- Supervision by a responsible adult of all firework activities.
- Do not allow young children and pets near when igniting fireworks.
- Make sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
- Light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves and flammable materials.
- Keep a bucket of water or hose handy in case of malfunction or fire.
- Alcohol and fireworks DO NOT mix.
- Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
- Soak spent or malfunctioning fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.
- Report illegal firework displays to the Fire or Police Department.
