Pyrotechnics

It is hard to imagine New Year celebrations without fireworks – however, they are the source of most New Year injuries, especially for children, who tend to get closer, touch the fireworks, and engage in other dangerous activities. The main (unfortunately, very rarely observed) rule is that pyrotechnics are not toys for children. The sale of "fire amusements" to children under 16 years old is prohibited. Only high-quality pyrotechnics can be purchased in certified stores. Each pyrotechnic product must have detailed instructions for use in Russian, containing the name of the manufacturer, the date of manufacture, the shelf life, and the rules for using the product. Before use, it is necessary to read the instructions carefully.

• Only pyrotechnics with a "working" shelf life can be used. All expired items should be discarded without regret.
• Pyrotechnics (except for sparklers and party poppers) can be used only outdoors, the ideal option is an empty lot or sports ground. A cluttered balcony, dense forest, gazebo, or attic are not the best places for launching New Year rockets.
• It is prohibited to carry pyrotechnics in pockets or on the chest, leave them near warm batteries, or throw used casings into the fire or on the stove!
• Be sure to take protective measures – at least water in bottles to extinguish a fire, rinse a burn, or flush a contaminated eye; ideally, a first aid kit and a small fire extinguisher.
• When launching, do not aim rockets, firecrackers, etc. at yourself or other people, even as a joke.
• If the fuse goes out and the pyrotechnics do not launch for some reason, wait at least 5 minutes before approaching to find out what the problem is. Be sure to douse the failed rocket with water or foam, in case of spontaneous ignition at an inappropriate moment.
• If an emergency has already occurred, do not panic, but urgently start to eliminate the consequences, extinguish and suppress the flames. If you cannot handle it yourself, call specialists – firefighters and emergency medical services – as quickly as possible.
• All burns from pyrotechnics must be rinsed with water to wash away any possible residues of caustic chemicals. Thoroughly rinse the eyes if dust from the rocket launcher or a spark from a sparkler gets into them. If you cannot stop the bleeding, the injured area swells, burns severely, and hurts, or if the eye cannot see – you need to get the injured person to the hospital as soon as possible.
• Under no circumstances should you give in to peer pressure and "dare" from your peers – holding a burning rocket launcher, launching a firecracker in a room, etc. True friends do not encourage such dangerous activities.