Hands off fireworks! Sparkle with your personality

GEORGE NEWS - Do you want to upset a swarm of bees, give the neighbour's Maltese Poodle a panic attack, or cause a former soldier to relive a traumatic event?

We didn't think so.

Please refrain from launching fireworks, firecrackers, flares, paper lanterns and other such paraphernalia in the George municipal area. Not only does this pose a fire risk, it is illegal and you may end up with a hefty R1 000 fine.

Strict legislation

George has strict firework legislation and according to a by-law on community safety, no person may discharge fireworks outside of a designated fireworks area. Please take note that there are no designated fireworks areas in George.

Should someone be caught discharging a firework or a flare, or lighting a Chinese lantern, an immediate fine of R1000 is applicable, as well as a potential charge of arson.

Confiscation notices

Law Enforcement Services together with other role players will start with the compliance campaign by doing continuous inspections at shops in all areas.

Confiscation notices and fines will be issued to non-compliant shops and confiscated fireworks will be handed over to the police's explosives unit for disposal.

Marine flares

Setting off marine rocket flares for fun is hugely dangerous and irresponsible. NSRI is compelled to log and investigate each and every incident in case it is a real emergency, which of course takes up their time and valuable resources and, more seriously, could detract from genuine flare sightings.

It is also hugely dangerous for those setting off the flares, which, as they are quite costly, have also probably expired. Marine guidance notes dictate that all old flares need to be disposed of correctly.

Rocket flares degrade with time and there have been cases where the rocket propellant separates from the parachute, leaving the person who discharged it with an uncontrolled flare which comes back down and hits them.

Enforcement

George Municipality will firmly enforce the applicable by-laws and l0w enforcement officials will be deployed at various areas and beaches throughout the season to attend to fireworks complaints.

Pets and fireworks

For some pets, especially dogs and cats that have particularly noise-sensitive ears, the sound of fireworks can cause intense fear responses.

Some pets will go to extremes to hide, others get startled and run away, and general anxiety caused by unexpected loud sounds can have long-lasting effects on animals.