The Sint Maarten Fire Department has granted permits to one applicant allowing him to import, transport, and sell a specified quantity of consumer fireworks. The sales to the general public at the AJC Brouwersroad 12-14 from the 29th until the 31st of December, 2012 after inspection of the Fire Department. The permits that were granted are based upon the Vuurwerkbesluit AB2000, which regulates the import, storage, transport, and selling of consumer fireworks.
The Fire Department also granted two permits for public firework displays which will take place in Great Bay and Maho on January the 1st 2013 at 0.00. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.
Fire Department together with Customs, Coastguard and Police are vigilant to ensure that all Firework activities in the closing of 2012 are according to the granted permits and used in a safe manner.
The fireworks which are to be sold in small quantities to the general public are consumer fireworks like firecrackers and novelty fireworks, such as fountains and sparklers. Even though novelty fireworks, are generally considered to be "safe", they can reach temperatures of more than 650°C, and thus hot enough to cause third degree burns. That is why the Fire Department is urging the general public to take the necessary precautions and be fireworks smart when lighting fireworks.
To light up the powder in the fireworks a wick or fuse is fixed in it. The burning time of the wick is arranged by international regulations between 3 to 8 seconds. If the time is faster you would not get away on time and if the burning time is longer you may pick it up again to check why it is taking so long. This is why illegal and unlabeled fireworks which are not checked by the government are so dangerous. And that is also why it is very important to never light up fireworks with a wick that is broken or to relight wicks that has gone out. Before you know these will explode in your hands. Do not ever use homemade fireworks or fireworks without an instruction label. These are illegal and they can kill you!
Fireworks are beautiful and add fun and excitement to holiday celebrations. But you must be fireworks smart when you use them. That is why the Fire Department advices those that are planning to make use of consumer fireworks to follow the following guidelines:
Using fireworks safely begins before you light it, so take the following precautions on beforehand:
- Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.
- Put on clothes that can handle some sparkles, not nylon nor polyester and protect your eyes by wearing safety glasses.
- Do not put the fireworks in the pockets of your shirt or pants.
- Read the instructions and warnings from before. You cannot read the label in the dark.
- Choose an open area away from spectators, homes, dry vegetation, traffic and buildings especially gas stations, bulk stations, churches, hospitals and old people homes. Think on your pets.
- Make sure you have water near you (either a hose or a bucket).
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
- Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
How to light fireworks:
- Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance (about 6 meters) from the shooter.
- Always ensure that the novelty fireworks are standing stable. Put skyrockets in a bottle that is half filled with sand and for big sky rockets secure a pvc-pipe in the ground.
- Light fireworks up with a piece of cotton rope, cigarette or mosquito coil. Never use matches or a lighter.
- Do not light fireworks in your hand.
- Never throw any fireworks at anybody or animal.
- Never relight a "dud" firework, those that did not go off. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water
- As each device burns out, soak it using a hose, or bucket of water.
After lighting fireworks:
When you are finished with lighting fireworks you will have to clean up all the garbage. Do not leave any fireworks on the road especially "duds" those that did not go off. Many children go looking the next day for leftovers and will try to reignite them. Place all used items in a covered, fireproof container and leave it outside and away from homes and buildings.
Take the following actions in the event anybody gets burned. The treatment of burns caused by heath starts with the application of cold water in order to cool destroyed tissues and minimize damage to them. This treatment is not administered in extensive or third-degree burns which can be recognized when the burned area is white and dry and also the pain is minor or non-existent, as cold water may aggravate the state of shock.
- Immerse the burned area immediately in cold running water. Place it under a tap or in a bucket of water, or apply cold-water compress (but not ice) to the burned area.
- Continue to cool the burned area with cold water for about 5 minutes or until the pain diminishes. Then dry it gently with a clean towel and dress it with a sterile or clean, dry cloth.
- Do not prick the blisters or otherwise interfere with the burned area.
- Do not remove clothing adhering to the wound. Remove any watches, bracelets, rings, belts, or constricting clothing from the affected area before it begins to swell.
- Do not apply butter, oil, or cream to the wound.
- Do not press the wounded area.
- In case of extensive burns call Ambulance Department at 912, wrap the victim in a clean sheet and transfer to the hospital.
Report illegal fireworks or unsafe use of fireworks to the Fire Department at (919) or Police Department (911).
The Fire Department thanks the population for their cooperation in upholding the safety on Sint Maarten over the years. On behalf of management and staff of the Fire Department and Ambulance Department we wish you a happy and safe 2013. Happy New Years!