Remember, Remember the Impact of Fireworks

ADVERTORIAL: It is now illegal to set off fireworks before 6pm and after 11pm*.

(*Midnight on the 5th of November)

NEW RULES to lessen the negative impact of fireworks have made it illegal to set off fireworks before 6pm and after 11pm. This extends to midnight on 5th November and 1am on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

The message is being reiterated ahead of events large and small, taking place in the run-up to and on bonfire night.

The message is tha fireworks can be great fun, but if not used correctly they’re dangerous:

• During the bonfire season, 85 per cent of all firework injuries treated at emergency departments happen at informal private displays.
• More than half of those requiring treatment are children.

If you plan on having your own private firework display this year, it is important that you know the rules and how to keep you and your family safe:

• Keep a safe distance — not all fireworks are suitable for private use. It depends on size of your garden/area.
• Follow the fireworks code – e.g. stand well back, never return to a firework after it’s been lit and read instructions before use.
• Think of others — Remember that for some of your neighbours, fireworks can be particularly distressing and frightening, due to the loud and sudden noise.
• Many neighbourhood pets will also be distressed from the loud and sudden noise.
• Let your neighbours know when you might be setting fireworks off.
• If there is a local firework display taking place, think about going to it instead of holding your own private one.

Visit www.firescotland.gov.uk for more information on fireworks safety.