Around this time every year, the Department of Health, along with other government bodies, issues public statements warning the public of the dangers of firecrackers. According to report from GMANews.tv, the DoH now lists the number of firecracker casualties at 173, and that number may reach 1,000 by January 1.Filipinos usher in the New Year with loud revelry: firecrackers, horns, music, some people even tie empty cans to make noise as they drive around their neighborhoods. The tradition stems from the belief that the loud noise drives away the bad spirits left over from the past year. Clearly, our New Year parties wouldn’t be much of a celebration if it was done quietly.
But with firecracker injuries piling up, and with children often being the victims, one has to be aware of certain safety precautions as we usher in 2011. Scroll down and read about FN’s tips on how to celebrate safely.
1. BUY FROM LICENSED VENDORS
The Department of Trade and Industry certifies qualified vendors with a license that allows them to sell fireworks to the public. Check for the DTI seal when you buy your firecrackers and sparklers. If you don’t see the seal, don’t buy. You can watch this video to see what the DTI seal looks like.
2. ASK FOR A MANUFACTURER’S GUARANTEE
Buying fireworks shouldn’t be any different from buying electronics or other goods. Do a little bit of research to figure out what type will work best for you, and ask for an official receipt after purchasing. The receipt serves as a guarantee that what you bought is legal and of good quality. The receipt can also help track down the manufacturer should anything untoward happen.
3. PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS
According to Hans Ong, Technical Director for Dragon Fireworks, Inc., buyers should “scrutinize the packaging” of any goods before agreeing to purchase them. Mr. Ong says to pay attention to details like as the grammar of the safety instructions that come with the fireworks. “In the fireworks industry, the lower-end copies don’t really spend much time in making any of the packaging,” he adds.
4. BE PREPARED TO SPEND A LITTLE MORE
Quality comes at a price. Vimie Erese, president of the Philippine Pyrotechnic Manufacturers and Dealers Association, says that illegal manufacturers can afford to sell their goods for a cheaper price because they don’t pay for licenses or permits. The same principles you use when buying luxury goods and services apply to fireworks: you get what you pay for. And think about it, that money you think you’ve saved by buying from fly-by-night establishments won’t matter if you end up in the hospital.
5. PAY ATTENTION TO NEWS REPORTS
Just recently, this report from GMANews.tv states that there have been 173 reported firecracker injuries, and that number may reach as high as 1,000 by January 1st. The victims—who are mostly children—sustained injuries mostly from two types of fireworks: the watusi and piccolo. Be mindful of children when these firecrackers are around. Apart from burning, injuries and illnesses can also happen when these are ingested.
If you are concerned about the safety and quality of the firecrackers or fireworks you want to buy for your New Year festivities, the DTI has opened a hotline specifically for these queries. You can call them at 751-3330. And for families who wish to forgo firecrackers this year, you can opt to go to any of the aerial fireworks displays listed on this GMANews.tv article.
(Photo by Ree Dexter via Flickr Creative Commons)
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
Trending on Network
