DOH-7 reminds public of firecracker dangers

The people must be aware of the dangers of firecrackers and fireworks to avoid the rise of injuries common during New Year's Day celebration.

This was the reminder that the Department of Health-7 recently issued as it re-implemented its last year's Oplan: Iwas Paputok, or the Fourmula Kontra Paputok.

The DOH-7 said there are four formulas that the public should remember to free them from harm and injuries during the celebration.

The first formula is "to say no to fireworks and firecrackers," said DOH-7, adding that people must never attempt to ignite firecrackers, as the surest way to avoid accidents.

The second formula is "to use innovative ways to create noise." It has been a Filipino belief that noise of firecrackers will drive away bad luck as the New Year enters but DOH-7 said the people could still make noise using drums and horns, among other safe instruments.

The third formula is "never pick up firecrackers that have not exploded because these might explode in the hands." The DOH-7 said it would be safest to pour water over the "dud" firecracker.

The fourth formula is "not to fire guns during New Year's celebration," the DOH-7 said citing the past experience when innocent people were killed and maimed by stray bullets.

The only thing the people should do to avoid burns, cuts, body injuries, amputation of fingers, and death, is to heed the call of the DOH, and stay alive for the coming year.

Last year's statistics showed a total of 176 firecracker-related injuries in Central Visayas, most of these happened during New Year's eve celebrations.

The DOH-7 hoped that, with the re-implementation of the Kontra Paputok program, the number of injuries this year would be fewer. - Jasmin R. Uy