Tips and advice on handling fireworks
Fireworks must be handled with extreme caution
© Christian Schwier-Germany / fotolia.com
The year will end in a few days. As the end of the past year and the start of the new year, rockets will light up the dark night sky in many places. But what should be taken into account when setting off New Year's Eve fireworks? When can firecrackers, rockets, etc. be bought and set off?
Category 2 fireworks, which include rockets, fountains, or firework batteries, can be bought in retail stores from December 29 to 31. According to the Explosives Act, these are fireworks that have a low noise level, for example, and are intended for use outdoors.
They can be set off on December 31 and January 1 by people who have reached the age of 18. However, Category 2 fireworks may not be set off near churches, hospitals, children's and old people's homes, or particularly fire-sensitive buildings and facilities such as half-timbered or wooden houses or gas stations.
Category 1 fireworks (so-called children's fireworks) can be bought and used all year round in Germany by minors aged 12 and over.
They are popular at New Year's Eve, but they are not without danger.
“Hands off illegal or homemade fireworks,” advises the Paderborn District Regulatory Office. There is a risk of serious injuries.
Only fireworks that have been type-tested by a notified body such as the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing are safe to handle when used as intended. Tested fireworks are marked with a registration number and the CE mark. (Source: BAM)
Marc Hammerstein, head of the district fire brigade and technical centre in Büren-Ahden, advises from the fire and rescue service perspective that parents should urgently warn their children about the danger of unexploded firecrackers.
Category 1 fireworks (so-called children's fireworks) can be bought and used all year round in Germany by minors aged 12 and over.
They are popular at New Year's Eve, but they are not without danger.
“Hands off illegal or homemade fireworks,” advises the Paderborn District Regulatory Office. There is a risk of serious injuries.
Only fireworks that have been type-tested by a notified body such as the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing are safe to handle when used as intended. Tested fireworks are marked with a registration number and the CE mark. (Source: BAM)
Marc Hammerstein, head of the district fire brigade and technical centre in Büren-Ahden, advises from the fire and rescue service perspective that parents should urgently warn their children about the danger of unexploded firecrackers.
"Unfortunately, there have been repeated accidents here in recent years with very serious injuries," says Hammerstein.
While we understand the need for a boisterous New Year's Eve celebration, district veterinarian Dr. Ralf Lang also asks for consideration for wild and domestic animals. Fireworks should therefore only be set off at the turn of the year and not hours or days before or after.
"Then the animals don't suffer from constant stress," explains Lang. The expert advises pet owners to bring cats into the house early and to keep dogs and cats in a place in the house that is as protected from noise as possible.
While we understand the need for a boisterous New Year's Eve celebration, district veterinarian Dr. Ralf Lang also asks for consideration for wild and domestic animals. Fireworks should therefore only be set off at the turn of the year and not hours or days before or after.
"Then the animals don't suffer from constant stress," explains Lang. The expert advises pet owners to bring cats into the house early and to keep dogs and cats in a place in the house that is as protected from noise as possible.
Since horses and cattle can also react with fear, "it goes without saying that no fireworks should be set off near farms and stables and that pet owners should keep an eye on their animals," stresses the district veterinarian.
To ensure that New Year's Eve does not end in hospital or the fire brigade having to be called out, the district fire brigade headquarters has put together a series of important tips and advice on how to handle fireworks.
To ensure that New Year's Eve does not end in hospital or the fire brigade having to be called out, the district fire brigade headquarters has put together a series of important tips and advice on how to handle fireworks.
Fireworks do not belong in children's hands!Only use fireworks that have been approved by the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM). Tested fireworks are marked with a registration number and the CE mark in conjunction with the identification number of the testing center that monitors the manufacturer's quality assurance. BAM has the Europe-wide identification number 0589.- Carefully read and follow the instructions printed on the packaging!
- Never modify or open fireworks yourself!
- Only use firecrackers and rockets outdoors!
- Maintain a safe distance from people, buildings, trees and motor vehicles!
- Only fire rockets vertically; find a safe place to stand!
- Do not fire rockets in strong winds!
- Throw away lit firecrackers immediately after lighting them or move away!
- Do not leave unused rockets or firecrackers lying around. They can still ignite even after several minutes!
- Fireworks can ignite clothing, open pockets or hoods are particularly dangerous!
- Never throw fireworks at people or objects or aim rockets at people!
- Rockets can be blown off course by just a short gust of wind. Therefore, close windows, balconies and doors so that nothing from outside lands in your living room and can cause fires. It is best to also tidy up the balcony and not leave anything that is easily flammable!
Have a fire extinguisher or bucket of water ready. In an emergency, call 112.