Since fireworks and firecrackers have traditionally been a part of New Year celebrations in the country, there will undoubtedly be many who will light some on New Year's Eve despite an appeal from the Department of Health to use pots and pans instead.
Authorities have thus issued the following tips on how to handle firecrackers safely.
1. When lighting fireworks, keep them at arm's length.
2. Do not go near a lit "fountain" to check if it's working.
3. Don't handle firecrackers when drunk as one's mental faculties are not alert.
4. Keep children away from fireworks, even "luces" or sparklers.
5. Don't pick up firecrackers that did not explode.
Vendors of fireworks in Bulacan have also issued additional safety tips.
Aside from buying only those firecrackers approved by the government, the public must:
1. store firecrackers in the garage and not in a sealed place.
2. keep firecrackers in a safe place, and not put them on the floor or roof.
3. choose those with 2 wicks (mitsa) when buying firecrackers. If one lit wick dies out, the other can be lit.
The Department of Health and the Philippine National Police have banned the use of some firecrackers such as Super Lolo, Bawang, Goodbye Philippines, Lolo Thunder and others deemed dangerous, including Watusi and Piccolo.
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