Tag: firework code

Keeping children safe this firework season

As Bonfire Night approaches, make sure you know how to keep you and your family safe.

Nearly half of firework injuries happen to children.

Always follow the Firework Code and read instructions before use.

Find more safety advice here ➡️bit.ly/fireworksafety2024

Scottish Fire & Rescue Service: Fireworks Safety

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

Fireworks and the law

It is illegal for the general public to use fireworks before 6pm or after 11pm (this extends to midnight on 5 November and 1am on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali). It is illegal for adults to buy or supply fireworks to anyone under the age of 18 – with the exception of F1 fireworks.

Examples of F1 fireworks include party poppers, novelty crackers and certain sparklers.  The category of firework is legally required to be displayed on product packaging.

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.

Check back here for details of organised events across Scotland. We strongly encourage anyone who does wish to host a private event to familiarise themselves with our firework code and fire safety guidance.

THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO ORGANISED BONFIRE EVENTS IN EDINBURGH

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Remember, remember The Firework Heroes Code

This week, as Bonfire Night celebrations take place, HELP for HEROES are calling on the British public to practice ‘The Firework Heroes Code’. We want people to be more mindful of the negative impact that fireworks can have on veterans and others.

Professor Colin Preece, Wellbeing Manager for our Hidden Wounds team, says, “The vast majority of the veterans that we support for mental health issues tell us that they don’t like fireworks.

“It can be the bangs and the flashes, but also the smell of fireworks can be a massive trigger for them. These stimuli can remind veterans of bad moments they experienced in combat and make them relive traumatic events in their lives. It can be particularly problematic for those with PTSD.”

The Firework Heroes Code

  • Be mindful – think about the impact fireworks can have on people (and animals) nearby
  • Go to planned public fireworks displays – rather than set off fireworks at home
  • Give neighbours advance warning – it can be as simple as a message on a local WhatsApp or Facebook groups. If you are having fireworks at home this gives those near you the chance to create a coping strategy
  • Go silent – consider using the new generation of ‘silent’ fireworks
  • Give support – if you think someone has been affected by fireworks, make them as relaxed and as comfortable as possible and encourage them to reach out for professional help.

Former Senior Aircraftsman in the RAF, Matt Neve, explains why this code is so important: “The planned public events aren’t so bad, and the new silent fireworks are a good idea. It’s the unexpected bangs of fireworks in people’s homes or in the street that take me right back to where my trauma began and triggers my PTSD.

“Hearing them makes me fearful and angry but I also have a physical reaction as I shake and my heart races. I have to take myself out of the situation and sit somewhere quietly, take deep breaths and compose myself to bring myself back to the ‘now’.”

Many people look forward Bonfire Night and it is a big event in the calendar, but not everyone enjoys them, and that goes for pets too. ‘The Firework Heroes Code’ is a really simple way to ensure that you minimise the impact of your own event on others – so we can all feel comfortable at this time of year.

We understand that reaching out for support can be difficult. If you are a veteran or loved one and need support, we are here for you.