The Department of Health (DOH) recently posted an update on social media reminding the public about Firecracker Injury Prevention Month, which is observed throughout December.
“Magdiwang nang ligtas at masaya sa Kapaskuhan at Bagong Taon (Celebrate a fun and safe Christmas and New Year),” the agency noted. “Makiisa sa Community Fireworks display sa inyong lugar (Join the community fireworks displays in your area).”
DOH also made note of several points to consider with regard to preventing injury including remembering that explosives are dangerous, children must be kept away from fireworks, do not point pyrotechnics at others, and seek treatment immediately if injured.
According to data from the Philippine National Police, the number of firecracker-related injuries dropped from 449 in January 2018 to 307 in January 2019./WDJ