Day: November 5, 2021

Fireworks Safety: Advice from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Watching fireworks can be great fun for children. However, figures show that, more often than not, it’s children rather than adults who are injured by fireworks.

If you are looking to enjoy fireworks, the SFRS always advise to attend a safe, organised public display. Events may be cancelled or limited this year due to COVID-19.

The period around Nov 5th is traditionally one of the busiest for our fire crews.  Scotland needs its firefighters for real emergencies.  Attending bonfires can cost life saving minutes getting to a house fire.

CONFIRMED EVENTS

It is safer, better for the environment and often less expensive to attend organised public firework displays.

It is now ILLEGAL for the general public to set fireworks off before 6pm and after 11pm in the evening (this extends to midnight on 5th November and 1am on New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali).

If you are unable to attend an organised display, we would ask you to consider the impact of fireworks on people and animals. It is often children rather than adults who are injured by fireworks.

The noise and lights that fireworks emit can also be overwhelming for people with a sensory impairment and those with neurological differences such as autism. Animals can also find fireworks particularly distressing.

COVID-19

With COVID-19 leaving many organised public events cancelled, we know that people may consider hosting their own events.

First and foremost, we would urge all of our communities to follow advice and guidelines around social distancing to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This is already a traditionally busy period of the year for ourselves and our partners and it is very important that we maintain an ability to respond to other emergencies.

We are therefore strongly encouraging anyone who does wish to host a private event to reduce the risk by ensuring to familiarise themselves with our firework code and fire safety guidance.

Download our Bonfire & Fireworks Safety leaflet so you can enjoy your evening responsibly.

COP26 Climate Strike: Police appeal to protestors to act responsibly

Statement from Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie ahead of the Fridays for Future and Climate marches taking place this weekend:

ACC Ritchie said: “The Fridays for Future and Climate march are due to take place this Friday and Saturday, the 5th and 6th of November, and we expect Glasgow to be busier than usual on these days.

“You will certainly see an increased police presence in Glasgow during these events but please don’t be worried. Officers are there to maintain the safety of the public and participants, as well as to protect the rights of people who wish to peacefully protest or to counter-protest.

“These rights are always balanced against the rights of the wider community. If you are planning on attending the marches or are travelling to Glasgow for another reason, plan your journey in advance.

“Both the road and public transport networks are likely to be really busy. There are road closures in place during COP26 and information about this can be found on the Get Ready Glasgow website.

“Among the officers who’ll be deployed this weekend are Police Liaison Officers, they will be wearing light blue police vests. They act as a link between event organisers and the police. Their aim is to make sure that participants can exercise their democratic right to demonstrate while helping to ensure the policing response is proportionate.

“A number of other specialist officers will be deployed for these events as well. As will officers from other police services from around the UK who have come to Glasgow to provide assistance. So you’ll likely see officers in uniforms which are slightly different to those worn by Police Scotland.

“We have engaged with key campaign groups to ensure these protests can take place safety and with as little disruption as possible. However, we have made clear that should violent disorder or damage to property occur, those involved will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.

“If you’re going to a march, please act responsibly, be respectful in your actions, and follow the route and instructions given to you by police officers or event organisers. We’re there to keep everybody safe.

“Thank you.”