KBS to give fireworks tips via SMS

The Fire Department Suriname (KBS) will reportedly give fireworks tips via SMS or texting. Fire Department Spokesman Olton Pinas told that the Fire Department would do so in association with a local telecom provider.

He explained that this campaign would allow the KBS to provide a huge portion of the community with information. “Almost everybody owns a mobile phone. I expect everybody to receive our message through the text messaging service. This campaign is aimed at significantly reducing the number of fireworks victims. We will give several short tips with each text message. We will also point out that safety goggles must be worn when

Times of Suriname

lighting fireworks. Fireworks must also be lit with an incense stick. Another one of the Fire Department’s tips is to keep dogs and cats inside the house during the fireworks period.” The Fire Department will also ask pet owners to put a name tag on their pet’s collar and to put as much information as possible on the name tag so that the pet can be reunited with its owners in case it gets lost. Cynthia Ashruf, chairwoman at Stichting Henk Abrahams, pointed out that her foundation would also collaborate with the Fire Department. The foundation will give information on social media so that people know how to ‘handle’ their dogs. She also pointed out that some dogs are terrified of fireworks. “People must keep an eye on animals during the fireworks period and they must also put them in a safe room.”