~ Fire Department releases fireworks safety rules ~
PHILIPSBURG--Only two permits have been granted for the selling of fireworks this year, the Fire Department has disclosed.
However, only one of the two licence holders will be selling fireworks to the general public.
The permits were granted based on the Fireworks Resolution AB2000, which regulates the import, storage, transport and sale of consumer fireworks.
Small firecrackers and novelty fireworks such as fountains and sparklers will be sold to the general public in small quantities. Even though novelty fireworks are generally considered to be safe, they can reach temperatures of more than 650� Celsius, hot enough to cause third-degree burns. Therefore the Department of Fire Prevention is urging the general public to take the necessary precautions and be fireworks-smart when lighting firecrackers.
The Fire Department also granted two permits for large fireworks displays that will take place at midnight on December 31/January 1.
The Fire Department advises persons purchasing fireworks in the coming days to observe safety procedures strictly while igniting the fireworks.
The department released the following guidelines to ensure a safe and fun year-end experience:
Where and when
The legal period during which persons are allowed to ignite and use fireworks is December 29 to January 1.
It is prohibited to light fireworks on or near open roads if it can cause danger, damage or disturbance.
It is prohibited to light fireworks within 50 metres (approximately the distance between two lamp posts) of a church, medical facility, senior citizens home, gas station, or any place where animals are kept such as the Zoo. Choose an open area away from spectators, homes, dry vegetation and buildings.
Only use fireworks as intended. Don?t try to alter them or combine them.
Put on clothes that can handle some sparks, not nylon or polyester, and protect your eyes by wearing safety glasses.
Do not put fireworks in the pockets of your shirt or pants.
Read the instructions and warnings before using fireworks. You cannot read the label during evening hours unless you are in a well-lit area.
Make sure you have water nearby (either a hose or a bucket).
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
How to light fireworks
Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance; about six metres from the person who is igniting fireworks.
Always ensure that novelty fireworks are standing in a stable position. Put skyrockets in a bottle that is half-filled with sand and for big skyrockets secure a PVC pipe in the ground.
Light fireworks with a piece of cotton rope, cigarette or mosquito coil. Never use matches or a lighter.
Do not light fireworks in your hand.
Never throw any fireworks at a person or animal.
Never relight a ?dud? firework that did not go off. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water
As each device burns out, soak it using a hose or bucket of water.
Afterward
When you are finished with lighting fireworks, you will have to clean up all the firecracker garbage left behind. Do not leave any fireworks on the road, especially ?duds? that did not go off. Many children go looking for leftovers the next day and will try to re-ignite them.
Place all used items in a covered metal container and leave it outside, away from homes and buildings.
Treating burns
The Ambulance Department advises the general public to take the following actions in the event anybody is burned:
The treatment of burns starts with the application of cold water to cool destroyed tissues and minimise damage to them. This treatment is not administered to extensive or third-degree burns, which can be recognised when the burned area is white and dry and the pain is minor or non-existent, as cold water may aggravate the state of shock.
1. Immerse the burned area immediately in cold running water. Place it under a tap or in a bucket of water, or apply a cold-water compress (but not ice) to the burned area.
2. Continue to cool the burned area with cold water for about five minutes or until the pain diminishes. Then dry it gently with a clean towel and dress it with a sterile or clean, dry cloth.
3. Do not prick the blisters or otherwise interfere with the burned area.
4. Do not remove clothing adhering to the wound. Remove any watches, bracelets, rings, belts or constricting clothing from the affected area before it begins to swell.
5. Do not apply butter, oils, or cream to the wound.
6. Do not press the wounded area.
7. In extensive burns, wrap the victim in a clean sheet and transfer him/her to the hospital.
For emergencies dial 912 for the Ambulance Department, 919 for the Fire Department, and 911 for the Police Department.
Rugby union Simon Barker Insects Buenos Aires Liza Minnelli Protest
No comments:
Post a Comment