Injuries during 2017 New Year’s celebrations have been recorded as the lowest that they have been in 10 years.
There were no reported deaths from stray bullets
The fact that the number of injuries reported have consistently been going down is very reassuring, most especially for parents who are worried that their kids might get injured in the revelry.
Bulacan topped the list with 38 reported incidents, and thankfully, no fatalities. It was followed by Region 12 with 18 incidents, Ilocos Norte with 17, and Bataan with just 2. There were also no reported deaths from stray bullets.
According to Bulacan PDRRM Executive Officer Liz Mungcal, most of the victims were aged 11-15, and that children aged 8-10 were injured by a toy firecracker called ‘piccolo’.
The reduction has been attributed to a number of reasons
The lower number of reported cases of injuries are a very welcome change. According to Celso Cruz, chairman emeritus of the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association, it was because of intensified police crackdown on banned, or ‘killer’ firecrackers.
The DOH, on the other hand, attribute it to President Duterte who has promised severe punishment to those who will be celebrating with firecrackers.
Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial shares, “People are now afraid to light firecrackers because of the President. They have this impression that somehow they will get caught or they will be punished.”
Go to the next page to learn more about safety around fireworks.
Safety around fireworks
As parents, it’s up to us to always make sure that our children are safe and free from harm. So to keep your children safe, here are some safety tips when it comes to fireworks:
- Make sure to use fireworks outdoors. Fireworks are meant to be used outdoors, so it’s an extremely bad idea to light them indoors. Never ever, under any circumstances, light any firecracker of firework indoors as it can start a fire in your home or even injure someone.
- Never let young children use fireworks unsupervised. Young children, and children in general should not be allowed to handle fireworks as they might hurt themselves, or even poison themselves since fireworks and firecrackers can contain toxic chemicals.
- If a firework fails to ignite, don’t attempt to relight it. If a firework fails to ignite the first time, never ever attempt to relight is as it might suddenly explode or light when you least expect it. If a firework doesn’t ignite, smother it in water so that it won’t accidentally light itself.
- Always keep a bucket of water handy. When using fireworks, make sure to keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of any emergency.
- Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix. Never, ever, under any circumstances, attempt to use firecrackers if you’re under the influence. It’s a bad combination, and will only lead to injury.
- Always use common sense. As with most things, use your common sense when it comes to fireworks. Never point it at a person, and always keep it at a safe distance, away from anything flammable or anyone for that matter.
Source: manilatimes.net, philstar.com
READ: PNP officer sacked for indiscriminate firing during new year’s celebrations
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