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.
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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.”
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.
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).
