Fireworks are enjoyed responsibly by thousands of people up and down the country every year. They can be used on all sorts of occasions, but they are primarily used to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night, Diwali, New Year’s Eve and the Chinese New Year.
This year is different as many organised displays have been cancelled due to Covid-19. This has led to people organising their own celebrations.
Unfortunately, a small minority of people use fireworks irresponsibly and cause nuisance within their local communities. This can create anxiety within neighbourhoods, particularly for elderly people and pets.
Sadly it’s not just household pets that are affected by fireworks. Farm animals are easily frightened by loud noises and sudden flashes of bright light, which can startle and cause them to injure themselves on fencing and farm equipment.
Wildlife, like hedgehogs are also at risk after making their homes in bonfires. Fireworks are also highly disturbing to some birds and have caused the abandonment of nests or even whole colonies.
Please be mindful when organising your family celebrations and follow the current Covid guidelines.
Fireworks safety advice
Please follow this advice to ensure that your celebration night is a safe one:
- only buy fireworks marked with CE
- don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
- keep fireworks in closed boxes
- follow the instructions on each firework
- light them at arm’s length using a taper
- stand well back
- never go near a lit firework. Even if it doesn’t go off it could still explode
- never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
- always supervise children around fireworks
- light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
- never give sparklers to a child under 5 years old
- keep pets indoors
- don’t let off noisy fireworks after 11pm