In the period preceding New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, loud bangs and explosions caused by people setting off firecrackers and fireworks can increasingly be heard. Let us remember that, pursuant to an order issued by the Lower Silesian Voivode, we may legally use firecrackers and fireworks only on 31 December and 1 January each year.

As a rule, the use of pyrotechnic materials is prohibited on other days, and this prohibition may be waived only in exceptional cases—after obtaining permission from the city mayor. Legal measures may be applied against perpetrators for violating the ban and illegally using firecrackers, pursuant to Article 54 of the Code of Petty Offences and Article 51 § 1 or 2 of the Code of Petty Offences. For people over 17, the sanction may be a fine of up to PLN 500 or referral of the case to court, where the fine imposed may be considerably higher. In the case of people under 17, in addition to discussions with their parents, especially when incidents are repeated, the case may be referred to the family and juvenile court and the school principal may be notified.

Let us also remember several very important things. Selling fireworks to children is a crime! If we witness such a situation, we must and should react. Children and young people are most often the victims of careless handling of fireworks. Selling pyrotechnic materials to people under 18 may result in up to two years in prison. Children and young people may use them, but only under the supervision of a parent or an adult guardian, who bears full responsibility for this.

Several basic rules for handling fireworks safely:

  • fireworks may be purchased only by an adult
  • fireworks should be stored in dry places, away from heat sources and inaccessible to children
  • read the instructions carefully before use
  • fireworks must be set off only under the supervision of a sober adult and with particular care
  • do not use fireworks that have failed to explode or damaged pyrotechnic materials
  • fireworks must not be “set off” from the hand, on a balcony, from a window or from a roof covered with roofing felt; it is best to choose a smooth surface for this purpose so that the fireworks do not tip over
  • if, after being lit and after the fuse has burned out, the fireworks have not exploded, do not approach them to check what happened
  • do not use pyrotechnic materials indoors, as the released firework will bounce off the walls and may set hair or clothing alight, while the explosion may cause hearing damage
  • fireworks must be used only in open spaces
  • when setting off fireworks, do not point them toward buildings
  • do not throw fireworks into places where people are or may be present, where cars are parked, toward petrol stations or tanks containing highly flammable liquids.

Finally, some important advice for pet owners. The noise of firecrackers and fireworks worries not only people but also animals, especially dogs, so it is worth ensuring that pets are not exposed to the sounds of explosions. Provide them with a quiet and peaceful place. Dogs should be taken for walks earlier, not at midnight. Under no circumstances should a dog be unclipped from its leash. A frightened animal can run away in search of shelter. For several days after New Year's Eve, the City Guard continues to receive reports of stray dogs and other four-legged animals looking for their owners. Unfortunately, not all of them have microchips, making it very difficult to determine whom they belong to.

The City Guard in Jelenia Góra wishes everyone an enjoyable and safe New Year's Eve and all the best in the new year 2016.

SM Jelenia Góra/ii