Safety first with fireworks

• Published date: 04 November 2021
• Publication title: Katikati Advertiser

Fenz risk reduction and investigations manager Todd O’Donoghue says on average, crews have been called to around 200 fireworks-related callouts each Guy Fawkes period in recent years.

“Good planning and preparation can help avoid a potentially dangerous situation,” he says.

ACC data shows the most at risk groups for fireworks related injuries are children under 10 and men aged under 35, he says.

“Borrowing a line from the team at ACC, if you’re going to use fireworks, have a hmmm before you start. Think about who may get harmed if a fire was to start and spread.”

O’Donoghue says there are a few easy steps fireworks users can take to reduce the potential risks.

Watch the weather. If it is windy and dry, don’t light fireworks.

■ Read the manufacturer’s instructions, light fireworks in an open area away from anything that could catch fire and keep a bucket of water handy.

■ Remember fire can spread very quickly and a house fire can become unsurvivable within three minutes.

■ Light fireworks on level ground and point them at the stars, not at...