Safe handling of fireworks

Fireworks are a pleasant show that is used in any type of festivity, as it is part of the national tradition and folklore; however, the way to ignite the rockets and launch them is dangerous.

Consider them dangerous if you don’t use them carefully. You must take into account that:

  • You must make a responsible use of fireworks and prevent children from manipulating them
  • Don’t store them at home; If you do, it should be in a safe, cold place and out of the reach of children.
  • Do not keep them in your pockets. Friction can cause them to explode and burn you
  • Supervises the girls and boys during the use of fireworks
  • Extreme precautions to avoid burns and serious injuries
  • Do not put fireworks in your mouth, as you can get intoxicated. Wash your hands after playing with them
  • Don’t try to light rockets that didn’t work before
  • Light them one by one and never in glass or plastic containers as debris can be thrown and cause injuries
  • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
  • Always buy firework from quality suppliers

Worldwide, the celebrations of the December holidays such as Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve bring with them the excessive use of fireworks, from the previous days, but mainly on the night of the 24th and the 31st, the use of pyrotechnics becomes massive. More and more families are choosing to replace traditional pyrotechnics with other ways of celebrating the holidays, but if you decide to use fireworks, it is important that you keep these tips in mind:

Irresponsible use of fireworks increases the possibility of injuring or injuring others. Therefore, if they are used domestically, they should only be turned on and handled by adults .

Doctors Jorge Menoni and Patricia Dallorso, directors of the Emergency Services teams of the British Hospital , Adult area and Pediatric area (respectively) point out the importance of following the following precautions to the letter to correctly handle the different types of fireworks .

To this precaution are added; avoid consuming alcoholic beverages or other drugs while lighting fireworks, keep the product out of the reach of children and other people while they are being lit and handled.

It is especially important to carefully read all the instructions and warnings that are labeled on all products. In Uruguay, the label should include the legend “Authorized by the SMA”

To prevent serious accidents, never try to relight fireworks that did not work on the first try . Also, do not use alcohol to light them. If a firework does not light, wait at least five minutes and then spray it with water before disposing of it. Additionally, keep a bucket of water, a hose, or a fire extinguisher nearby for emergency situations.

Security

Stay away from fireworks once lit ; at a safe distance, out of the way and away from the shooting area, this is of utmost importance when children will witness fireworks. Do not place the head or parts of the body on any type of pyrotechnic product and avoid pointing, shooting or shooting any type of firework towards people or property.

In addition to the risk of accidents and burns, the risk of fires is added when the selected area is not suitable, either due to the proximity to combustion hazards, wooded areas or the presence of winds. Fireworks should only be used in a clear, open, outdoor area. To ensure their stability, use them on a smooth, stable and flat surface, and avoid putting bombs or firecrackers in cans, bottles or containers.

Fireworks storage should be in a cool, dry place; never near sources of heat, or in pockets.

Pet care

Be careful with domestic and farm animals, many times the noise scares the animals. For this, it is important to keep them indoors or in remote places.