Emergencies – Berlin – fire brigade association calls for careful handling of firecrackers – panorama
Berlin (dpa) – New Year’s Eve is soon – and thus one of the busiest nights for the fire brigade: The German Fire Brigade Association (DFV) has now called on people to be careful when handling fireworks. Because discoveries and fires are often caused by the careless handling of fireworks – especially if they were imported illegally or homemade, as the association emphasized on Thursday.
The DFV appealed that customers should read the manufacturer’s instructions for use and only light fireworks in permitted locations. “The burning of firecrackers in the immediate vicinity of churches, hospitals, children’s and old people’s homes is prohibited.”
Parents should also talk to their children about the dangers – young people under the age of 18 should not handle the fireworks. The association also warns against carrying fireworks on the body, for example in jacket or trouser pockets, due to the potential for self-ignition. On New Year’s Eve, it is important to protect the apartments from fire: “Remove furniture, household goods and other flammable objects from balconies and terraces. Keep windows and doors closed.”
“Every injury that can cause death relieves the rescue service, which is often required, especially in large cities,” said the president of the association, Karl-Heinz Banse.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:221222-99-991565/2