Fireworks Safety Tips

Most of us love a good firework display as we celebrate different festivities. They are a common feature to celebrate the dawning of a new year.

However, if not handled properly, they can cause destruction and injury to you, your loved ones and other people in your area.

Here are a few safety tips to help you manage the risk associated with fireworks as you celebrate on 31 December:

• Follow local laws and procedures on the use of fireworks. Make sure you know and understand what types of fireworks (if any) that can be used in your area to avoid legal issues.
• Keep children and pets at a safe distance. Children should not handle fireworks and should be kept under adult supervision when viewing them.
• Be aware of your surroundings on your property and your neighbours. For example, it is not advisable to have a large firework display in an area with many thatched properties as one small flicker can lead to losses.
• Know the fireworks you are using. They ignite and work differently so don’t assume that they are all similar. Read instructions and follow them to ensure safety.
• Have water or sand buckets nearby to extinguish stray flames or sparks. Hose down any duds, or fireworks that do not ignite when lit.
• Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks and don’t put them in glass/metal containers as launch platforms.
• If in a residential area, inform your neighbours in advance especially those with certain health conditions that can be triggered by the shock of the firework blast and to secure their pets.

Enjoy responsibly and safely.