1907 Venues Cleared for Fireworks Display on New Year's Eve

Police Spokesman SCP Fred Enanga revealed that 1907 venues have been granted permission by the law enforcement agency to display fireworks on New Year's Eve.

Enanga said the venues will work with companies that have been licensed to display fireworks. These companies are M/S Sky Flames, M/S Quality Lighting, M/S Extremes Events, M/S Tomil Fireworks, M/S Goshen Africa, Fesco, Light Africa Uganda Ltd and Fire Works 7000.

Territorial commanders will work with these contractors and venue owners to ensure the following:

– Review and approve the location of proposed fireworks discharge sites.

– Provide supervision and guidance to fireworks operators, before setting up the display, during the discharge, of fireworks, and after discharge to assist in determining that the launch area is safe.

– At their discretion, they will have the authority to suspend or terminate the display due to weather or any other grounds deemed unsafe.

– The fireworks display contractor will be required to conduct an onsite safety assessment.

– The fireworks operator will supply 10 fire extinguishers properly tagged and functioning.

– The fireworks operator will supply fireworks tools and equipment for transporting and receiving, safety on-site storage, and the necessary number of qualified personnel needed to set up the display and thoroughly clear the entire area of fireworks debris after the event.

– All displays will be set up employing methods for interrupting firing in case an unforeseen danger becomes evident.

– An operator positioned to have the display at the site will ignite fireworks displays. Remote ignition systems not under the direct control of the onsite operator will not be permitted.

– Aerial displays will not include free-floating devices or shells, less than 3 inches in diameter.

– No spectators or spectator parking areas shall be located on the display site.

– All structures, buildings, and premises located within the display site shall remain unoccupied during the display.

– The presence of a modest number of trees and shrubs is not a safety problem, provided they are not numerous enough to make it difficult to locate unexploded aerial shells or pose a serious fire safety threat.

– Fireworks must be aerial fireworks.

– Keep all fireworks materials dry and away from bad weather.

– Prohibit smoking, matches, lighters, and open flames within 50 feet of fireworks material.

– Prohibit persons who are under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or medications that could adversely affect judgment, mobility, or stability.

– No cell phone or radio frequency-generating devices are permitted within the immediate discharge area.

– Wear all protective equipment appropriate for setup duties.

– Verify all mortars and racks are made of approved materials, and are of sufficient strength, length, and durability to allow shells to be propelled to safe deflagration heights.

– Must ensure the neighborhood is informed of the fireworks through the media and local authorities i.e. LCs.

– Verify rescue and emergency medical service units are available and ready to respond.

– Maintain crowd control, utilizing barriers and monitors.

– Disable any electric firing switches and disconnect all electric cables.

– After at least 15 minutes, search the display and fall-out areas.

– Follow proper marking and warning for unexpected shells.

– Ensure that all unused line products are accounted for, properly handled, repackaged, and secured by counter-terrorism personnel.