Press Release
December 28, 2007

PREVENT FIRE ON NEW YEAR'S EVE-REVILLA

Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. appealed to the public to come up with safety measures to avoid fire incidents during the celebration of the New Year.

The senator warned the public that strong winds might prevail on New Year's Eve and this may cause fire from aerial fireworks that could hit wooden houses, old roofs and combustible garbage. He explained that fire incidents occur during New Year's Eve along with injuries and deaths due to mishandled fireworks.

"It is best for barangay officials to designate an area for fireworks and firecracker lightning. Have a garden hose or a drum of water ready in the event of a fire. As the saying goes, getting your house burn is worse than being robbed," Revilla said.

Revilla urged New Year's Eve celebrants to use only approved fireworks made by licensed manufacturers and always follow all listed warnings and instructions for the safe handling and use. He stressed never to point or throw fireworks at a person, building, or animal and never ignite it indoors.

"Fireworks should only be lighted on a smooth, flat surface away from buildings, dry vegetation, and flammable materials. Never experiment with homemade fireworks. They are dangerous and illegal." he pointed out.

Revilla further reminded the public that fireworks should be stored in a cool, dry place. He also urged stall owners and vendors to cooperate and support the fire prevention campaign of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) by ensuring that they possess the necessary permits for the sale of firecrackers and that they comply with the standards set by the said agency.

"I advise firework sellers not to stock up a sizable amount of firecrackers within store premises and such pyrotechnic products should not be sold in closed or congested areas to avoid a similar tragedy at the Unitop department store in Ormoc City which killed 24 people on Christmas Day of 2005," he also said.

Meanwhile, the lawmaker commended the Department of Health (DOH) for issuing warnings against the use of firecrackers.

Based on news reports, the DOH had already recorded a total of 65 cases of fireworks and firecrackers-related injuries with one case of bullet injury since December 21.

"It is better to celebrate New Year with alternative harmless noisemakers. But if we can not fully stop the public on using firecrackers, I believe we should enforce stricter regulations against selling and use of these products," Revilla added.

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