How to safely package, transport, and light firecrackers

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has reminded the public to properly pack, transport, and handle firecrackers upon purchase to prevent accidental explosions.

According to Chino Gaston’s report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, the BFP’s advisory came in the wake of an incident in Santa Barbara, Pangasinan, in which a father and son were injured after the firecrackers they were transporting on a motorcycle exploded.

Authorities suspected that the firecrackers touched the motorcycle’s exhaust pipe or scraped against the road and ignited on its own.

Motorcycle riders were advised to double-wrap the firecrackers they bought to protect them from heat and rain.

“Napaka-sensitive talaga kasi ng ignition ng firecrackers and pyrotechnic kaya dapat nakalagay siya sa tamang lalagyan. ‘Yung box mas secured o kaya yung mga plastic na naka-sealed,” said Fire Superintendent Anthony Arroyo, BFP public information service chief.

(The ignition of firecrackers and pyrotechnics is very sensitive, so these should be properly stored. It should be placed in a secured box or well-sealed plastic.)

Firecrackers should be taped to keep them from shaking or falling while being transported.

Motorists were also advised to avoid smoking near firecrackers to prevent igniting the firecrackers.

In Bocaue, Bulacan – the country’s firecracker capital – policemen distributed leaflets to firecracker buyers which contained tips on how to have a safe New Year’s celebration.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) also reminded the public to avoid using firecrackers and instead use pots, party horns, sound systems, and other objects to create noise to welcome the New Year.

The public was also advised to avoid illegal firecrackers such as piccolo and other unregistered fireworks.

Filipinos were reminded not to pick up firecrackers that failed to light up and to prohibit children from playing with firecrackers.

The BFP also stressed that the public should only buy firecrackers approved by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and ensure that these are lit away from people or crowds. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/JMA, GMA Integrated News