MASERU – As the year draws to a close and euphoric portions of urban communities prepare for a night of spectacular fireworks displays across the country tomorrow, the police have sounded a warning shot against the use of the firecrackers.
Speaking to this reporter the deputy police spokesperson, Sergeant (Sgt) ‘Mareabetsoe Mofoka, indicated fireworks may be a cause for celebration - but suggested they posed a guise for criminal activity, are a nuisance to animal life and a danger to the very people who use them.
Sgt Mofoka said since animals have a far more sharper sense of hearing than humans, the noise emanating from blasting crackers had a terrifying effect on them.
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“For animals, fireworks are no cause for celebration, therefore people should take good care of them,” she continued.
She further urged parents not to allow their children to use firecrackers unmonitored should it come to that, because if not handled properly they oftentimes caused serious injuries and burns in both children and adults.
“So the best to protect our families is to avoid the use of any kind of fireworks at home,” she said.
Seargeant Mofoka also highlighted that such moments of explosive dazzling displays criminal elements use the opportunity to pursue lawless acts, shooting other people and robbing shops and households.
“As a result, for the sake of safety and environmental protection a total ban or restricted use of these things,” she said.
Used mostly during big celebrations, festivals and distinct holidays fireworks have become to be appreciated despite tabulated dangers and the noise pollution they create - further produce gas like carbon monoxide which pollutes the air and contributes in the depletion of the ozone layer.
They seem harmless, however, sparklers get hotter than 1 200 degrees and are most likely to cause injuries to users; if found injured by fireworks victims are advised to seek immediate medical attention.
