Need-to-know firework safety
JOBURG – Tips on keeping safe around, with and during firework season:
Fireworks can be legally set off between 7pm and 10pm on Diwali, Christmas Day, Day of Goodwill and New Year’s Day and on New Year’s Eve between 11pm and 1am. This is the time when homeowners, pet owners and those setting off fireworks should keep safety in mind.
Robert Mulaudzi, the City of Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services spokesperson, said the loud bangs, flashes and whizzing is all too frightening and traumatic for animals.
“They simply do not have the mental character to deal with all the noise so their natural instinct is to flee and hide.”
Keep your pets indoors and keep them away from where fireworks are being lit.
If you come across a distressed animal, contact animal welfare organisations such as the SPCA, Animals in Distress and Claw.
If you are setting off fireworks, do not use cigarettes to light fireworks, shorten or lengthen the fuse, or carry lit fireworks.
Be sure that you buy fireworks from a reputable dealer and follow the instructions carefully and each of the fireworks.
Also:
- 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.
In a case of emergency, call 10177 for help.
