As we eagerly approach the end of the year, some people will be thinking of fireworks, but it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks they pose to people, animals, and property.
HERE IS WHERE TO REPORT ILLEGAL USE OF FIREWORKS IN YOUR AREA
Fireworks can potentially cause harm, from property damage to injuries, and they can be particularly distressing for pets.
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In light of this, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) issued a firework guideline. Here is also a list of where to report fireworks in your area.
The JMPD said in the past, houses have burnt down, people have lost their fingers and eyes, and pets have been left traumatised as a result of the reckless and unlawful use of fireworks.
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THERE ARE RULES AND REGULATIONS THEY MUST ABIDE BY WHEN USING FIREWORKS
“The public needs to understand that there are rules and regulations they must abide by when using fireworks,” says JMPD spokesman Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar.
During the festive season, fireworks may only be used on Christmas Eve (from 19:00 to 22:00), Day of Goodwill (from19:00 to 22:00), New Year’s Eve (from 23:00 to 01:00) and New Year’s Day (from 19:00 to 22:00).
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The JMPD has appealed to merrymakers to use fireworks safely and to keep the safety of children and pets in mind at all times. It has also urged them to keep their pets indoors when using fireworks and never to throw lit crackers at them.
THE JMPD HAS APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC TO BEHAVE RESPONSIBILY
He has appealed to the public to behave responsibly so they can enjoy the festivities. The following are some of the provisions in the City by-laws regulating the use of fireworks:
- No person may deal in fireworks unless he or she holds the required fireworks licence in terms of the Explosives Act:
- No person under age of 16 must use explosives without adult supervision;
- Fireworks must not be used inside any building, on agricultural holdings, in public places such as schools, old age homes, hospitals, where animals are present, or within 500m of an explosives factory or storage facility, petrol depot or petrol stations; and
- Revellers must use fireworks in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Meanwhile, the SPCA pleaded with the public not to support the illegal use of fireworks.
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Spokesperson Belinda Abraham said the sound from fireworks is at least seven times louder for animals than for humans.
THE SOUND FROM FIREWORKS IS AT LEAST SEVEN TIMES LOUDER FOR ANIMALS THAN FOR HUMANS
She says the animal’s natural response is to flee from loud noise.
“The SPCA will see an influx of stray animals, those that have fled in panic and just never been able to find their way back home again. We also see injuries like animals being knocked over on the roads, animals running through glass windowpanes, and becoming hooked or impaled on palisade fencing. And this all happened as a result of escaping the loud banging. Fireworks also impact on wild animals. So, please don’t support the use of illegal fireworks.”
Belinda Abraham said
HERE IS WHERE YOU CAN REPORT THE ILLEGAL SALE OR USE OF FIREWORKS
Here is where to report the illegal sale or use of fireworks:
Gauteng:
Johannesburg: If you have information relating to the illegal sale or use of fireworks, you can report it to the Metro Police Call Centre on 0860 POLICE (765423) or to SAPS on 10111.
Pretoria:
Contact numbers to report any illegal use of fireworks are: The Explosives unit can be contacted at (012) 393 2756.
The City of Tshwane’s 107 emergency number enables Tshwane residents to access emergency services through a landline or any mobile network, 24 hours a day, toll-free.
Limpopo:
Fire Department: 015 293-1111 ; Ambulance Services: 10177 ; Police Services: (015) 290 6577 ; Polokwane Police Station: 015 290-6582
SPCA Letaba (DBV). +27(0)15 307 2611 (Office Hours) +27(0)83 628 9257 (Emergency)
North West:
Rustenburg:
Report fireworks to the Rustenburg Police Station on 014 590 4115.
SPCA Emergency. +27 72 933 7723. Address.
Western Cape:
If you have information relating to the illegal sale or use of fireworks, you can report it to the Metro Police Call Centre at 0860 POLICE (765423) or to SAPS at 10111.
For more information about the location of the designated sites, please contact your local municipality or the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Operations Centre on 080 911 HELP (4357).
KwaZulu-Natal:
SPCA Kloof- Emergency After-Hours – 073 335 9322 ·
Metro Police & Metro Fire ; 031 361 0000.
Eastern Cape:
SPCA – EMERGENCY: 082 905 4716
Police: 041 504 5000 / 10111 · Crime Stop (report criminal activity anonymously): 08600 10111 · Ambulance: 041 373 6777 / 10177 or 1022 ·
Northern Cape:
Police: 053 838 4200/ 10111.
Crime Stop (report criminal activity anonymously): 08600 10111.
If you are aware of an animal in need of urgent assistance, kindly contact our Emergency Number on 082 376 7679.
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