Who says New Year, often says fireworks. Even if their use is regulated, or even prohibited in certain municipalities, accidents can quickly happen. Here are the main tips to follow.
To avoid drama with fireworks, several things must be put in place before their use: security perimeter, extinguishing equipment ready (fire extinguisher or garden hose), type of fire used, etc.
Despite certain precautions, accidents can happen. Most often, these are fires or burns. But more serious accidents such as the loss of a body part (often a hand) can also occur.
Concerning burns, the first reflex is to carry out cooling (20 minutes under warm water), and to call the emergency services if the burn is significant.
You have to check the regulations carefully.
In some municipalities, fireworks are therefore prohibited, in others, it is authorized. What can we do? “You have to check the regulations carefully. In Namur, it is prohibited on public roads, and authorized on private land. At home, you must have a sufficient safety perimeter in relation to local residents, animals…”, explains Maxime Lurkin, captain and firefighter at the Nage rescue zone.
If you want to set off fireworks at home, what should you pay attention to? “Not all fireworks are authorized. We recommend purchasing them from an approved supplier, with professionals who can provide sufficient advice,” says Maxime Lurkin. “Secondly, you must be careful not to be too close to homes, and carefully respect the instructions on the safety perimeter to have in relation to spectators and animals.”
Here are the main tips for using fireworks properly: “We must stabilize the machine, in a tube well anchored in the ground, so that it does not tip over during departure. Respect the safety perimeter, I repeat, but it is super important. You must also have extinguishing means (a fire extinguisher or a garden hose), and emergency means. In the event of burns, you must carry out cooling at a lukewarm temperature for 20 minutes, to try to minimize the impact of the fire. the burn on the body.”
What are the first actions to take in the event of an accident? “Quickly contact the emergency services and carry out cooling in the event of a burn. Whether in a shower or under a tap, while waiting for the emergency services.”
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