New Year and Christmas holidays!

It's December, which means that the most beloved and anticipated holiday for children and adults – New Year – is just around the corner! And what kind of holiday can it be without special effects caused by pyrotechnic products? Fortunately, today everyone can purchase fireworks independently. However, sometimes excessive self-confidence and ignorance of the rules for using pyrotechnic products lead not to a festive table, but to a hospital bed. In addition, many fires occur due to violations of pyrotechnic use rules or the use of low-quality products.

To ensure your holidays are not only fun but also safe, you need to know and follow these rules:

1) Before using pyrotechnics, you must carefully read and strictly follow the instructions;

2) The manufacturer's operating instructions must contain:
- restrictions on the conditions of product use;
- safe launch methods;
- hazardous zone dimensions;
- storage conditions, shelf life, and disposal methods.

3) Do not use products with expired shelf life, signs of damage, without operating instructions, and a certificate of conformity;

4) Pyrotechnic products must not be used:
- indoors, in buildings, structures, as well as on roofs, balconies, and loggias;
- in areas of explosive and fire-hazardous objects, near power lines;
- on stage areas during concerts and festive events;
- in areas of cultural heritage sites, reserves, sanctuaries, and national parks.

Regarding the direct launch of firecrackers and fireworks:
1) Before lighting the fuse, you must know exactly where the top of the product is and from where the burning elements will fly out. Do not, even in jest, direct fireworks towards spectators.
2) The launch site must be flat, with no trees, power lines, or other obstacles above it. In addition, it must be at a distance of at least 50 meters from residential buildings. Rockets often fly onto balconies or, breaking window panes, into apartments, causing fires. In addition, fireworks can hit people.
3) Do not throw burning firecrackers at people or animals!
4) Children are prohibited from launching firecrackers!
5) Do not hold a burning firecracker in your hands!
6) Do not place a firecracker in a confined space: a can, bucket, bottle!
7) Use firecrackers only outdoors!
8) Do not approach a burning firecracker closer than 5-10 m!
9) Store and carry firecrackers only in their packaging! Do not carry firecrackers in your pockets or bags!
10) Disassembling a firecracker is prohibited!
11) It is strictly forbidden to burn fireworks on bonfires.
13) Under no circumstances lean over pyrotechnics.
14) If a firecracker does not work, do not try to check or light the fuse again.
15) Do not launch rockets in courtyard wells, in apartments, near houses, and in small fenced areas. Remember that the launch sites for each specific product must be indicated in the instructions.
16) Do not hold the product in your hands after lighting. Throw it 5-6 meters away from you or, after the fuse has been lit, place it on the ground and quickly move 5-6 meters away from the product!
17) Dispose of fireworks by placing them in water for up to two days. After that, they can be thrown away with household waste.

We hope that following these simple rules will help avoid troubles during the New Year and Christmas holidays and make them happy and joyful!

But the most important symbol of the New Year is the Christmas tree, which will create a festive atmosphere in almost every home. When setting up and decorating the fluffy beauty, there are also a number of rules:

- place the tree on a stable stand, away from heating appliances;

- for lighting the tree, use only working electrical garlands of factory production;

- do not decorate the tree with candles, cotton wool, and paper toys.

- do not light sparklers near the tree and other flammable materials.

Follow these rules, and the New Year holidays will be safe!