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local Wednesday 28 december 2022
Important information regarding fireworks

ORANJESTAD – We are already at the end of
another year, and with the year-end come
the selling of fireworks. Yesterday, 27th of De-
cember marked the official start to the selling
of fireworks. This year once again the Police
Department of Aruba (KPA) together with other
organizations will be carrying out checks on es-
tablishments selling fireworks.

In a video published by the Police Department,
spokesperson Liliana Rasmijn explains all rules
and requirements with which those selling the
fireworks need to comply during this season.
Rasmijn explained in the video that the days on
which it is allowed to sell fireworks is from the
27th until the 31st of December. During these
days, authorities will be carrying out checks.
Selling is allowed from sunrise until 9pm.

Rasmijn added that if police comes by outside
of the stipulated hours and the place is open,
the owner of the establishment will receive a
warning; and if it happens again that the es-
tablishment is not respecting the rules, the po-
lice will cancel their firework permit right away.
She also reminded the community that it is for- that are allowed to be on the products being It is important to know what each piece will do.
bidden for any establishment to sell fireworks to sold. Check the label for instructions, or if there is a
children under 12 years of age if they are not message illustrating what the firework will do. If
accompanied by an adult. She added that Rasmijn also pointed out that the departments this is missing, ask the seller what it does in or-
those working in the container selling fireworks in charge of control can come by once, but the der to be aware of what to expect and prevent
need to be 16 years old or older. next day they can come again. “Not because danger. It is very important to purchase ap-
they checked on the first day it would mean propriate fireworks for children. From a young
There are special, important rules for those sell- they will not check the same place again. We age it is a tradition to light up fireworks, children
ing fireworks. Rasmijn emphasized that all those can show up again. Also, if you receive a warn- grow up in this atmosphere, but it is important to
who receive a permit to sell fireworks need to ing, we will come back to make sure if every- teach them how to do this correctly and safely.
make sure to have a fire extinguisher, which is a thing is fixed the way it should be”, she added.
requirement from the Department of Technical Children should be educated on the dangers
Inspections (DTI) and the Fire Department. They It is also important for citizens to be aware of of fireworks. Many times, they enjoy experiment-
have to make sure to have an EHBO kit in the some tips when buying and lighting fireworks. ing with fireworks, building “bombs” or playing
establishment in case of accidents, and have Be critical of the fireworks that you purchase. war with each other. Children need to be edu-
to ensure the container is always clean. The fireworks should not be older than two years cated on how to use fireworks responsibly and
old, so check the date on it. Check each piece safely for themselves and those around them.
She pointed out that it is absolutely forbidden to for damage, and if one firework has damage,
sell old fireworks. She explained that police will it will not work as expected and can result in Always use a wick, preferably a long one. Do
control the date of sale for the previous year, injury to a person. not light up fireworks using a cigarette, lighter or
namely 2021, and this year. Those are the dates other objects.
It is very important that if a firework is not light-
ing up, or is not working when lit, to not go back
to it and try to light it again. There are different
speeds at which the fireworks are set off, some
go off faster than other. Wait at least 30 minutes
to make sure the fireworks are not going off.
Never light up a piece of firework in your hand,
as this can result in severe accidents resulting in
the loss of fingers, hands and even eyes. Light
up all fireworks on the ground.

And lastly but most importantly, do not throw
fireworks at people, animals or cars.q

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