Fireworks safety tips for Diwali
Hindus across South Africa will be commemorating the annual festival of Diwali, this weekend. In KwaZulu-Natal especially, skies across the province will be illuminated with fireworks - in celebration of the Festival of Lights. Ahead of this year's Diwali festivities, emergency services are reminding families to heed caution when handling and operating fireworks.
KZN Emergency Services' Robert McKenzie says that in the past, fireworks-related injuries over the Diwali period have been commonplace.
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He's appealed to those who will be lighting fireworks at the weekend, to observe safety first.
"With Diwali approaching this weekend, as EMS we'd like to caution people who are going to use fireworks. People need to remember that fireworks can be extremely dangerous, and in the past we have treated people who have sustained extensive injuries after handling fireworks - and there's been mishaps and explosions," he said.
McKenzie has also warned parents in particular to keep a close eye on their children when lighting fireworks.
"If they are going to allow children to handle the fireworks to please supervise them very carefully - as accidents can happen very quickly," he said.
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Other safety tips include:
- Only light fireworks in open areas - away from clusters of trees and power lines.
- Ensuring that if a firework has been lit and has not gone off, that the flame is extinguished with water.
- Keep buckets of water and blankets ready, in the case of a fire breaking out.
- When lighting aerial fireworks (like rockets), ensure that they are not facing any opening - like a window, a door, or an open gate.
- Only light one firework at a time.
- Observers should maintain a safe viewing distance.
- Avoid lighting fireworks while holding it in your hand. This could cause serious physical damage.