Using fireworks safely

Throughout the year, containers loaded with fireworks arrive in the harbours of Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius. Importing fireworks requires a licence. The BKCN is also asked for advice concerning this licence, For instance, the Fire Department imposes requirements on the type of fireworks which is allowed to be imported and what should at least be on the packaging.

A few days before New Year, it is allowed to start selling fireworks. There are official retail outlets which have a licence for this. A licence to sell fireworks is granted only if the retail outlet meets a number of strict requirements. A retail outlet is not allowed to be located too close to other shops or dwellings and must take different measures in order to ensure that fireworks can be stored and sold safely. Therefore only buy fireworks at official retail outlets; these meet the safety requirements.

You can take a few safety measures in the preparation prior to setting off your fireworks:

• Buy your fireworks at an official retail outlet.
• Purchase a taper and safety glasses.
• Store fireworks in a dry and cool place, out of children's reach.
• Read the instructions how to set off fireworks beforehand.
• Do not wear any flammable clothing on New Year's Eve and do not wear any clothing fitted with a hood.

Setting off fireworks can be very fun but it is not without danger. Please find below several tips for setting off fireworks safely, which will help you start the new year safely!

• Use a taper to set off fireworks. Don't use matches or a lighter, these sometimes will not allow you to see properly whether the wick of the firework is lit.
• Make sure that aerial fireworks always stand firmly and stable, for instance in a PVC pipe in the ground.
• Take account of the wind direction and stand at an appropriate distance.
• Never hold fireworks in your hands when setting it off, fireworks sometimes go off faster than expected.
• Always set off a maximum of one firework item at a time.
• Never relight fireworks which have not gone off, this can be life-threatening.
• Prevent others from becoming a victim of the fireworks you are using. So please be aware of bystanders (people and animals).

Finished setting off fireworks? Do not leave any fireworks lying around on the street, particularly fireworks which have not gone off yet. Fireworks which have not gone off can be rendered non-explosive by soaking it with a bucket water. Children and animals who play with the fireworks which are left on the streets can become poisoned or injured. Prevent this from happening by cleaning up the used fireworks and other rubbish.