Do’s and don’ts of fireworks

EMS spokesperson, Nana Radebe, said fireworks can only be set off between 7pm and 10pm on both Diwali and New Year’s Eve. Anyone who does not abide by this bylaw faces a R500 fine.

Radebe said residents also need to be mindful of children and pets.

“No one under the age of 16 is allowed to handle or use fireworks, except when they are under the supervision of an adult,” Radebe cautioned.

“You cannot use fireworks within 500 metres of any explosives factory, explosives storage place, petrol depot, petrol station, inside any building and at any public place, including schools, old age homes and hospitals.”

Residents are urged to:

• Pick a site appropriate for lighting crackers
• Keep animals indoors, with the curtains closed and the TV or radio switched on to distract them
• Check the wind direction before starting the fireworks display
• Keep the fireworks out of children’s reach
• Pick up all the remains of the fireworks after the display
• Fireworks should be handled by adults and children should watch the display from a distance
• To stage a fireworks display, residents need written permission from the Fireworks Working Committee or Chief Fire Officer in their region.

Permission is, however, not needed for days of cultural and religious celebrations, including Diwali, Chinese New Year, Human Rights Day, Guy Fawkes Day, Christmas Eve and the Day of Goodwill. But the fireworks can only be set off at stipulated times.

The bylaws regarding the times for fireworks for religious celebrations are as follows:

• New Year’s Eve from 11pm to 1am
• New Year’s Day from 7pm to 10pm
• Hindu New Year from 7pm to 10pm
• Lag b’omer from 7pm to 10pm
• Chinese New Year from 7pm to 10pm
• Human Rights Day from 7pm to 10pm
• Freedom Day from 7pm to 10pm
• Guy Fawkes Day from 7pm to 10pm
• Diwali from 7pm to 10pm
• Christmas Eve from 7pm to 10pm
• Day of Goodwill from 7pm to 10pm.

In case of an emergency, residents are urged to call 011 375 5911 or 10111.

Details: www.joburg.org.za