Never underestimate the dangers of fireworks
As the nights draw in and we start reaching for gloves and thicker coats, thoughts turn to celebrating events like Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night. We all have good memories of bonfires, sparklers, fireworks, and parents often wish to pass on these happy experiences to younger members of the family.
However, firework parties are not without their dangers. NHS figures show at least 3,591 people attended A&E in England with a firework related injury between the Halloween and bonfire night months between 2015 and 2019.
It’s also advisable to consider your neighbours and those who have animals who will be scared by fireworks.
If you are not attending a public display and are having a firework party at home, it is recommended that you follow these guidelines.
- Only buy fireworks from licenced sellers – if you do not there is always a possibility of the fireworks going off prematurely or being more powerful than they should be.
- Be mindful of your neighbours. Give neighbours warning of when you are going to hold your party and (where possible) only use fireworks on traditional dates – such as Guy Fawkes Night, Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year.
- Always read the instructions on the firework box and ensure that you know how far back people need to stand to be safe.
- Understand what fireworks you can use at home. Category F1, F2 and F3 fireworks are on sale to the public. A consumer firework will fall into either category F2 or F3, depending on how much safety distance it requires.
- Many pets become anxious and are scared by loud bangs. 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 the animals and aim them in the opposite direction. It is particularly 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. - Consider your own pets, especially if they are young or nervous and ensure they are secured so they can’t run away and are kept in a familiar and quieter part of the house.
About SJ Financial Solutions and Stuart Mosley
Stuart Mosley (CeFA, CeMap, CLTM) founded SJ Financial Solutions in June 2005 having spent 12 years with big corporates such as Halifax and Santander. He felt the personal touch and straight speaking was missing from mortgage and protection services and set up SJ Financial Solutions to change this.
If you would like to get in touch with SJ Financial Solutions please see contact details here.
Published: 29 October 2021
