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Fireworks are a staple at any New Year's Eve party. One can go to these places to enjoy the fireworks show. But some people like to light up their own firecrackers and that comes with its own set of hazards.

Yearly after the New Year's festivities, stories of fireworks-related injuries are often in the news. Six most common firecracker-related injuries are hand burns, eye injuries, hand fractures and lacerations, facial injuries, amputation, and hearing loss.

According to the Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, these injuries have recently been on the decline.

“We have a 68-percent decline in the number of fireworks-related injuries from December 21, 2018 to January 1, 2019 and that is as of 6 a.m., compared to the 428 cases during the same period last year. This brings the total number to 139 cases," he said in a press briefing on January 1, 2019.

That is great news, but the goal is to eliminate any of these serious injuries that have life-changing effects. Here listed are the alternatives to firecrackers that we should consider.

Noisemakers

There are tons of things that can substitute the loud noises that fireworks make. You can use plastic horns and car horns, turn up your stereo and play your favorite tunes, or just even bang your pots and pans at home to celebrate New Year's Eve in a simple, safe, and fun way.

Glow sticks

Another option for a safer celebration of New Year's Eve for kids and young-at-hearts are glow sticks. These translucent plastic sticks come in a variety of colors and are cheaper than sparklers.

Confetti-filled balloons

Confetti-filled balloons can be your DIY project before New Year's Eve. Before you blow up a balloon, fill it with colorful confetti so that when it's time to pop the balloon, it will make your celebration more entertaining.

Laser and music shows

Laser and music shows aren't new, and you can already see them at different establishments in the metro. These shows are more commonly associated during the Christmas season, but it can be also applied to New Year's Eve celebrations as well. The shows can be as exciting and creative as firework displays. Most importantly, it doesn't release smoke that fireworks emit that can be harmful to our health and to the environment.

Drone light show

Drones are unmanned, lightweight aircraft that can be controlled by remote control. During the closing ceremony of the SEA Games 2019, hundreds of drones lighted up the sky to show that we are also capable of using new technology to captivate and entertain the audience.

Remember that there are safer, but still fun and creative ways of celebrating the new year without endangering your lives. Have a safe and joyous new year!

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