Fire safety on New Year's Eve: Safe celebrations at the turn of the year

Compliance with the following safety instructions and fire safety measures on New Year's Eve is crucial for a safe and happy New Year.

• Purchasing approved fireworks: Only purchase tested and approved fireworks. Cheap illegal fireworks from the black market pose significant risks.
• Choose safe firing locations: Fireworks should only be fired in suitable outdoor locations and at a sufficient distance from buildings, trees and crowds. Fireworks should not be lit from balconies or terraces.
• Do not pick up and light unexploded bombs: Fire brigade objects (rockets and firecrackers) that have not (completely) ignited should not be picked up and lit again.
• Be considerate: Be considerate of pets and people with sensitive ears by burning fireworks in moderation.
• Avoid alcohol: Firecrackers and alcohol do not mix well. It is advisable to avoid alcoholic beverages when lighting fireworks.

New Year's Eve rockets are one of the most impressive traditions at the turn of the year. However, in order for them to be safe and spectacular, the following tips should be followed:

• Safe launch: New Year's Eve rockets belong in designated launchers that are firmly placed on level ground. Never hand-launch rockets as this is extremely dangerous.
• Maintain distance: A sufficient safety distance of at least 10 meters must be maintained between the launch site and spectators, buildings or other obstacles.
• Do not put in bottles: New Year's Eve rockets should never be put in bottles or other containers that may tip over. As an alternative, a drinks crate that is stable and secure can be used as a launching device.

Sparklers are a popular choice for celebrations (e.g. New Year's Eve or weddings), especially in the hands of children. But there are also some fire protection and safety instructions to note here:

• Keep your distance: Always keep sparklers at arm’s length away from your body and other people. In addition, they should never be held near the face as sparks can cause eye injuries.
• Extinguish Burning Sparklers: After use, sparklers should be extinguished in a bucket of sand or water to ensure they are extinguished before being thrown away.
• Do not plug together: Never attempt to connect sparklers together as this may result in uncontrollable sparks. Supervise children: Never let children handle sparklers alone.