On the eve of Mawlid Ennabaoui, Civil Protection warns about risks tied to pyrotechnic goods and candles. Burns, eye injuries, hearing trauma, amputations, and fires: consequences from misuse can be severe, especially for kids.
Civil Protection calls on parents to take the lead and prevent their children from handling pyrotechnics. “Parents must educate their children on dangers linked to pyrotechnics usage and ensure they do not touch them,” stated the General Directorate of Civil Protection (DGPC) in a press release dedicated to accident prevention ahead of Mawlid Ennabaoui.
The message is even more crucial given that annual accidents can leave permanent scars. “A pyrotechnic explosion in the hand can cause severe wounds, burns, eye damage, hearing trauma, or amputations,” emergency services warn.
Added to these injuries is fire risk, as pyrotechnics can ignite clothes and start fires inside homes, notably in rooms and on balconies, but also outdoors.
Moreover, Civil Protection strictly advises against throwing or launching pyrotechnics toward individuals, vehicles, or homes. Their use should also be banned near hospitals, clinics, and health facilities, as well as parking lots and gas stations.
Equal vigilance applies in nature. Emergency services urge people not to use or throw these items “near or inside forest zones, wooded areas, and vegetation,” where a single spark can trigger a wildfire and cause massive damage.
Beyond injuries and fires, pyrotechnic items cause major noise pollution. Explosions can trigger “stress, fear, and panic,” particularly among elderly people, patients, infants, and pregnant women.
Candles Under Heavy Scrutiny Too
Firecrackers are not the sole focus of Civil Protection guidelines. Candle usage also requires specific precautions.
Candles must be set “on stable, heat-resistant, non-flammable stands” and kept away from curtains, drapes, furniture, bedding, and combustible materials. Furthermore, lighting and handling them must remain an adult responsibility.
Children must stay clear of candles, matches, and lighters. Civil Protection recommends teaching them about flame hazards and reminding them that “a candle is not a toy.” Above all, “never leave a burning candle unattended.”
In buildings and places gathering large crowds, emergency services suggest opting for lighting setups carrying lower fire risks whenever possible.
To boost prevention, the General Directorate of Civil Protection launched an outreach awareness campaign on Thursday targeting risks tied to pyrotechnics and candles.
The operation focuses on children, seen as the most vulnerable group. Initiatives are organized in public spaces, around sales points, and inside mosques. Media and social networks are mobilized to spread prevention alerts widely.
Joint actions are also conducted with various partners, placing special emphasis on “the essential role of parents in protecting and monitoring their children.”
Civil Protection reminds citizens that Mawlid Ennabaoui, a time for reflection and commemorating Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) life and values, must be celebrated peacefully without endangerment.
“Prevention is everyone’s business,” concludes Civil Protection, calling for collective responsibility to enjoy a safe, accident-free Mawlid Ennabaoui. In case of an accident or emergency, citizens should call Civil Protection at 14 or 1021, detailing the risk and location.