With the festive season drawing near and the community using more fireworks during their celebratory events, the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) has provided a few fireworks tips.
Robert Mulaudzi, the media liaison officer of EMS said, “The hustle and bustle of parties, shopping and entertainment makes the festive season a time when people are more prone to having accidents than any other time of the year, so in order to help you make this holiday season a safe and happy one, here are some festive season fireworks safety tips.”
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Fireworks safety tips:
- Buy fireworks from a reputable dealer
- Follow the instructions carefully on each fireworks box
- Always supervise children around fireworks
- Use protective eyewear
- Ignite fireworks outdoors only
- Always have a bucket of water or garden hose handy
- Store fireworks in a closed box.
Things to avoid when using fireworks:
- Do not use cigarettes to light fireworks
- Do not shorten or lengthen the fuse
- Do not carry fireworks in your pockets or throw them while lit
- Do not be under the influence of alcohol when setting off fireworks.
Safety for pets when using fireworks:
- Keep your pets indoors when using fireworks
- Never throw a lit firework at animals
- Contact animal welfare organisations such as the SPCA, Animals in Distress and Claw for any animals that are distressed.
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According to City bylaws, fireworks are allowed on specific days, at specific times:
- New years eve (11pm to 1am)
- New Year’s Day (7pm to 10pm)
- Chinese New Year (7pm to 10pm)
- Human Rights Day (7pm to 10pm)
- Freedom Day (7pm to 10pm)
- Diwali (7pm to 10pm)
- Guy Fawkes Day (7pm to 10pm)
- Christmas Eve (7pm to 10pm)
- Day of Goodwill (7pm to 10pm)
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