How to have fun safely this Fireworks Night!
You Must Buy from Licensed Sellers
Ensure fireworks are bought from licensed or registered in-store and online retailers. Do not buy fireworks from unknown retailers on social media sites. Remember it is illegal for under 18s to buy fireworks.
Choose Traditional Dates and Keep to the Curfew
People are more likely to plan to protect pets and other animals if fireworks are let off on traditional dates. The firework curfew is midnight on Fireworks Night, 1am on Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year, and 11pm the rest of the year. Firework timings may differ in Scotland. See Firework control zones – Fireworks: the law – gov.scot for more advice.
Follow the Instructions carefully
Before letting off fireworks this Fireworks Night, read all the safety instructions on the box to ensure knowledge of important things like how far away people need to stand. Where instructions and warnings are not understood, the firework should not be used. Once any debris has cooled down, tidy it up and soak it in water overnight, and then put it in a rubbish bag and in the bin.
Check What Fireworks Can Be Used at Home
Category F1, F2 and F3 fireworks are on sale to the public depending on the safety distance required. Check the labelling to ensure there is enough space to safely use a firework before
buying it.
F1 – The minimum safety distance is at least 1 metre unless otherwise specified.
F2 – The minimum safety distance is at least 8 metres unless otherwise specified.
F3 – The minimum safety distance is at least 15 metres unless otherwise specified.
Storage of Fireworks
Ensure fireworks are stored in their original packaging. Keep them locked away and out of reach of children and animals ahead of Fireworks Night. Keep fireworks dry and away from sources of heat or ignition.
Think of Local Animals Before Setting Off Fireworks
If you plan to let off any fireworks, let your neighbours know in advance so they can plan for pets that might be affected.
If you live close to horses, let their owners know well in advance that you are letting fireworks off. Site your fireworks well away from them and aim them in the opposite direction. It is important to be considerate to horse owners as they cannot easily move horses away from fireworks.
Notify nearby farms and stables if you are planning to use fireworks. Do not let off fireworks if they will disturb wildlife habitats, or roosting bats and birds.
Disposing of Fireworks Safely after Fireworks Night
1. Ensure that the fireworks are out.
2. Soak them in water overnight.
3. Put them in a bag and in the bin.
Burns advice:
If you or someone you know does suffer a burn:
• Move the casualty away from the fire.
• Cool the burn for at least twenty minutes under cold running water. This will help to reduce any pain and swelling.
• Once the burn has been cooled, cover it with clean cling film. This helps to reduce the risk of infection and helps to reduce the pain by stopping the cold air getting to the burn.
• Do not burst any blisters.
• If the burn is bigger than the casualty’s palm or is deep, call 999. You should also call 999 if the burns are on the casualty’s face, hands or feet.
• Treatment advice for minor burns can be accessed through the NHS 111 Service or through your local urgent treatment centre.
Keep Your Pet Safe
On nights where fireworks are being let off, keep dogs and cats inside with somewhere to hide and give small outdoor pets extra bedding and nesting material to burrow in.
For more information on Firework Safety please email Right Directions: info@rightdirections.co.uk or give us a call for a chat: 01582 840098.
Relevant Information
• Stay safe this fireworks season – GOV.UK
• Refer to your local fire and rescue service website for further safety advice on fireworks
• For guidance specific to ROI please see gov.ie – Fireworks
