In the Southern Hemisphere, summer is already in its prime. Different celebrations such as Diwali and Guys-Fawks days have already past and Christmas and New Year celebration is approaching fairly fast.
New year celebrations are enjoyed outdoors in South Africa because of the warm summer weather of the Southern Hemisphere experiences during this time of the year. New Year`s day is a very popular celebration prepared several days before. The Eve remains the euphoric time globally. The majority of families and friends get together to bid the old year goodbye and welcome the new dawn with jubilation.
It has become common and norm to welcome such celebration with cracker explosions and in some instances, breath-taking fireworks display depending on individuals.
Even though fireworks are beautiful and exciting to watch, they are also potentially dangerous to both life and property. It is also imperative to know that there are laws regulating the use of fireworks. In South Africa, the usage of fireworks is regulated under the Explosives Act of 1956. Law enforcement units “South African Police Services (SAPS) and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD)” authenticate the selling and usage thereof.
The city of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) would like to share the following Safety Tips on Fireworks Display:
- Buy fireworks from reputable dealers.
- Follow instructions carefully on each firework.
- Responsible Adult supervision is imperative when letting off fireworks.
- Usage of Personal Protective Equipment (Gloves and Eye protection).
- Ignite fireworks outdoors only in an open clear space.
- Place on a smooth, flat surface away from any structures and flammable materials. (Be careful of Thatch roof structures).
- Stand well back after lighting them. Wait for about fifteen minutes before trying to re-ignite unignited fireworks.
- Never keep lit fireworks on your hands, it can cause serious severe trauma injuries.
- Only light one firework at a time.
- Keep charged garden hose, a bucket of water, or a fire extinguisher handy in case malfunctioning of fireworks.
- Never form or make your own fireworks.
- Never discharge fireworks under the influence of intoxicating substances.
- Always store fireworks in a closed/locked container.
In case of a Life-Threatening emergency, first, call Emergency Services before attempting mitigating factors. “Don’t try to mitigate first before calling but call first before trying to mitigate”.
