By Ron Cervantes

It has been a tradition in the Philippines to use firecrackers or fireworks in any celebration, especially during the New Year. It was believed that its loud noise attracted good fortune. However almost every year, thousands and thousands of fireworks-related injuries occur despite the regulations made by the government by at least to lessen these incidents.

One of the heaviest restrictions made by the government was to consider the private use of fireworks as illegal. The Republic Act 7183 controls “the manufacture, distribution, sale, and use of” pyrotechnics and prohibits those that were not included in this law to ensure public safety. Yet, these regulations are seldomly obeyed in practice and usually remain unenforced by the LGUs. 

You might wonder, how can we still enjoy fireworks without attracting injuries instead of prosperity?

Here are the tips that might help you keep your family safe while using fireworks.

1. Prepare at least a bucket of water or a water hose nearby in case of fire.
2. Don’t be arrogant. Never place any part of your body over a firework or hold a firework with your hand.
3. You might have bought faulty fireworks. The most important thing to remember is that you should never relight or get the failed fireworks. Keep duds sit for 5 to 10 minutes before putting them in a bucket of water. This will avoid injury from a delayed explosion.
4. Sparklers are sometimes mistaken as fireworks intended for children. But it can quickly burn clothing and might hurt your children by receiving severe burns from dropping sparkles on any part of their body. You can keep your children enjoying the fireworks while supervising them in handling them.
5. Immerse both used and unused fireworks in water for several hours before disposal.
6. Avoid handling fireworks when you’re drunk.
7. If you use a fountain or any kind of ground-based fireworks, observe from at least 10 meters away. For aerial fireworks, keep everyone step back to around 45 meters.
8. Keep your pets indoors. Fireworks can be incredibly stressful for them but keeping them inside the house may help to reduce their fear and anxiety.
9. As much as possible, use safe fireworks alternatives to produce lights and noise such as party poppers, glow sticks, or bubbles. This might be boring compared to actual fireworks, but the safety it can bring to your family will never be replaced.
10. If you still want to see actual fireworks, just go to places that conduct public fireworks displays.

Safety, at any time, on any occasion, should always be the priority. The happiness brought by the family coming together to celebrate New Year’s Eve is incomparable with the temporary joy brought by using fireworks.  

Enjoy the holidays safely!

---

---