Intensified Surveillance of Pyrotechnics Sales in Almaty During Upcoming Holidays
Safety Reminders Issued Ahead of New Year's Eve Celebrations
As the festive season approaches, authorities in the city are urging caution when it comes to the use of pyrotechnic products. This comes in response to a concerning trend of fire incidents and burn injuries during New Year's Eve celebrations.
Reminders about safety rules have been given to both licensed and unlicensed pyrotechnic sellers, emphasizing the importance of adhering to regulations and using only legal, approved fireworks. These products should have proper labeling, safety instructions, and seals of approval from regulatory agencies.
The use of pyrotechnic items is not a new contributor to holiday-related fires. Annually, during the New Year period from December 31 to January 5, between 10 to 15 fires are recorded. These fires, unfortunately, have resulted in a sharp increase in patients with burns of varying degrees. However, the exact number of patients during this year's New Year's Eve is not yet available.
Monitoring groups have increased efforts to identify entrepreneurs selling uncertified pyrotechnic products. Joint raids by police and the Department of Emergency Situations are regularly conducted to prevent fires and ensure safety. During the latest raid, no violations by pyrotechnics sellers were found.
To minimise risks of injury, fire, and property damage during holiday celebrations, it is crucial to follow a set of guidelines. These include never allowing young children to handle fireworks, using fireworks only outdoors away from people, houses, and flammable materials, and wearing protective eyewear when using or standing near fireworks.
Other key safety measures include lighting only one firework at a time, maintaining a safe distance when igniting, never trying to relight or handle malfunctioning or "dud" fireworks, and keeping a bucket of water or other extinguishing source nearby. It is also advisable to set off fireworks only on a flat, stable, noncombustible surface, and to follow local laws and regulations.
Talgat Dyusebayev, deputy chief of the city's Department of Emergency Situations, advises adhering to these safety measures when purchasing firecrackers. He also strongly advises extreme caution when using pyrotechnic items, especially as 30% of these fires are attributed to the use of pyrotechnic items.
In addition, fireworks should never be launched from balconies or uneven surfaces. Under no circumstances should pyrotechnic items be used after their expiration date. It is also recommended to consider watching professional displays instead of using consumer fireworks for greater safety.
These guidelines are emphasized across multiple official sources including fire departments and safety organizations to ensure a safer and more enjoyable holiday season for all.
[1] Fire Department Guidelines for Safe Firework Use [2] Safety Organization's Recommendations for Holiday Firework Safety [3] City's Department of Emergency Situations Safety Tips for New Year's Eve [4] National Fire Protection Association's Firework Safety Information
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