Are you one of those who like to shoot fireworks for Christmas, national holidays, family celebrations or other anniversaries? Here are some tips to help you prepare yourself if you want to use "joy tricks" at home...

Some recommendations for a successful fireworks display.

First and foremost

Check with local authorities (police) to find out if you can fire a fireworks display from your chosen location and what restrictions are in place. More and more communities are banning private fireworks!

Try to limit inconvenience for neighbors who don't like this kind of party.

Who can buy what and where?

In Belgium, private individuals can only buy "fireworks of joy" intended for them (therefore no fireworks sold to professional pyrotechnicians).

How much? Maximum 1 kg of pyrotechnic material per person (= approximately 4 to 5 kg gross of fireworks).

Points of sale: In your interest, buy only in points of sale which have a sales authorization and which are specialized in fireworks products. Do not buy this type of product from street vendors (fairs, Christmas markets, flea markets) or by mail order. The same applies to orders via the Internet.

Attention: there are many "illegal" sellers who offer products poorly packaged, too powerful and very dangerous for private (and even professional) use!

After purchase, store the products in a dry place, out of reach of children and in a safe and closed place (if possible outside the home).

Prepare the shot

Read the operating instructions carefully and follow the instructions and recommendations.

Choose carefully the place from where you want to shoot: the place must be clear, the surface horizontal, flat and hard. Stay well away from homes, parked or moving cars, vegetation that could catch fire, or places where flammable equipment is located.

Never fire inside a dwelling or building.

Set up a safety zone for spectators in the vicinity of the shot.

Protect your pets.

Dogs are particularly sensitive to the sounds of detonations and may run away. Lock them in a safe place before shooting and reassure them.

Horses are also easily frightened by noise and light flashes. Panicked, they may jump over the fence of their meadow. Make sure they're safe.

Notify neighbors to take precautions as well.

Bring a fire extinguisher and a bucket of water.

The people who take care of the shooting must of course not have consumed alcohol before or during the shooting.

Fire the shot

Protect yourself: safety glasses, flame-resistant clothing (ban nylon clothing!)

Point the shot in a direction where it can cause no damage and of course never towards the public.

Do not fire if there is too much wind that could deflect the rockets.

Scrupulously follow the instructions for use and advice on how to use the products purchased. Fire only one rocket at a time and only ignite the wicks with the appropriate igniter strand. Experts recommend using a remote control firework igniter to light the wick, not a match or lighter. They may light the wick too far away, preventing you from getting out of the way in time.

Move away from the firing area as quickly as possible after ignition. If the fuse "appears" to have gone out, do not return to the rocket or fireworks until after a waiting period (30 minutes!). Never light a wick a second time, and throw the devices that have not worked in the waste containers provided for this purpose (and not in traditional bins).

 

The effect of a fireworks display can be wonderful, decorate a party and delight the public. However, the use of fireworks can be dangerous and cause burns or damage. Always have your mobile phone handy so that you can call the emergency services if necessary (112) or the fire brigade.

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