A Safe New Year: Recommendations from Rescuers

January 1, MINSK . Rescuers issued recommendations for a safe New Year, the Ministry of Emergency Situations press service told BELTA . "New Year is the most joyful and long-awaited holiday . But to ensure it is not marred in any way, it is important to remember and observe fire safety rules. Do not decorate the tree with fabric or plastic decorations and do not line its stand with cotton wool. Light the tree only with commercially produced electric garlands. Be careful when lighting sparklers, using firecrackers, and using wax candles indoors. At sites where large New Year's celebrations are taking place, try to stay away from crowds to avoid injury. Be moderate when drinking ALCOHOL. Do not leave children unattended," the Ministry of Emergency Situations advised.



Particular caution should be exercised when using pyrotechnics. "There were already cases of people being injured by these devices over the weekend. Unfortunately, two more incidents have been reported. In Grodno, two 14-year-olds were setting off firecrackers. After setting off another one, the boys noticed it hadn't exploded, approached it, and picked it up. At that moment, the pyrotechnic device detonated right in their hands. They were hospitalized with varying degrees of injuries. A resident of the Borisovsky district, born in 2006, lit a firecracker in the courtyard of a building outside his home. It exploded in his hand, resulting in multiple open wounds to his left wrist and hand. The victim was hospitalized," the department noted.