Red Cross: Ditch firecrackers for a safe, practical kew Year

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Saturday urged the public not to waste their money on firecrackers and said that the New Year must be celebrated with ones health in mind.

PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said that fire hazards can be eliminated by refraining from using firecrackers during New Year's Eve revelries.

He reiterated that the smoke from firecrackers poses health hazards especially to individuals suffering from asthma.

“Have a healthy lifestyle. Don’t burn your money. Instead, celebrate the New Years with your families simply, spending time with them. Let us welcome the New Year resolving to support different humanitarian programs,” he said.

PRC staff and volunteers, according to Gordon, are on duty round-the-clock to attend to emergency cases during the celebration of New Year.

“We have people working 24 hours. Our 150 ambulances nationwide are on stand-by, ready to respond to emergency situations. Our firetrucks and water tankers are on alert. Our blood banks are open even during holidays,” Gordon said.

In case of emergency, call PRC Hotline: 143.

Furthermore, PRC reminds the public travelling this holiday season to be safe on the road by checking “BLOW BAGETS,” which stands for breaks, lights, oil, water, battery, air, gas, engine, tires and self.

The Red Cross also advised those injured by firecrackers to expose the injured body part to running water, dry the burned area with a clean dry cloth, apply a topical burn spray or ointment to the burned area, wrap the wound with a clean and wet sheet or gauze to prevent infection and bring the patient to hospital or healthcare facility.