Bonfire Night safety fears as people look to hold firework displays at home
PLEA TO USE REGISTERED SELLERS
PEOPLE are being asked to be considerate and keep people safe this Bonfire Night as preparations are made for socially distanced fireworks shows.
With the major public fireworks shows cancelled for 2020, people will now be looking to hold their own personal shows in their back gardens on Bonfire Night.
This has led to some concern from North East Lincolnshire and East Lindsey councils, who have issued warnings for the big night. North East Lincolnshire Council have warned about the safety measures for using fireworks, and that people should stick to registered retailers instead of buying online or via social media.
Trading Standards officers at the council have urged people that buying from unregistered places puts you at the risk of buying inferior fireworks made from cheap materials, or that have not been stored correctly.
Councillor Ron Shepherd, cabinet member for Safer and Stronger Communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Fireworks are explosives and can be extremely dangerous and uncontrollable when used inappropriately. “Buying dodgy goods comes with great risk, and could end up costing much more than the money you might fork out. Illegal fireworks can cause serious injury to anyone handling them or watching a display. “There is also a direct link between illicit sales, especially to under-18s, and antisocial behaviour.
“By purchasing fireworks from registered sellers, you can help protect young people and keep our community safe.”
They have also warned about animal safety on the night, too.
A North East Lincolnshire Council spokesperson said: “Fireworks displays are one of the highlights of the season, but for pets it might not be so exciting, and owners are urged to be vigilant with their animal’s wellbeing. Animals can become extremely stressed and behave out of character. Loud bangs can also be painful for pets as their hearing is more acute than humans. “North East Lincolnshire Council’s regulation and enforcement team see a significant increase in stray dogs around Bonfire Night, Halloween and New Year. “Owners are asked to be extra vigilant as there is there is a cost associated with collecting lost or stray pets from council custody.
“The regulation and enforcement team advise owners to make sure their dog is microchipped and wearing an ID tag, even at home. “Th is means that if animals do run away, they can be quickly reunited with their family. “Fluorescent collars are also advisable and are the best way to ensure that your dog is visible to motorists during the dark mornings and evenings. Do not forget smaller pets, especially those that live outdoors.
“Ensure they have extra bedding to burrow down into and feel safe, and partially cover aviaries, cages and pens, to provide some sound proofing and make sure they are well ventilated.
“Even better, bring them indoors or into your garden shed or garage where possible. “Bonfire Night can be extremely stressful to dogs, which can cause them to bark excessively, as a result, the council is more tolerant at this time of year when it comes to enforcement of noise nuisance. It isn’t just pets which can be put at risk at this time of year, wild animals such as hedgehogs can look for shelter in bonfire kindling. You can check for hedgehogs by gently lifting each section of the bonfire with a broom or pole. A torch can also come in handy to help you spot them.”
East Lindsey District Council have also asked people to notify their local communities if they intend to hold a personal fireworks show. Working with Lincolnshire Police, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, and the RSPCA, the council are encouraging people to be courteous and letting their neighbourhoods know. They mentioned the impact of fireworks on vulnerable people, pets, and livestock. Every year the RSPCA receives more than 400 calls about fireworks and the British Horse Society have reported 20 horse deaths and 98 injuries since 2010.
Fireworks can be as loud as 150 decibels which can result in distress to household pets and can startle livestock causing injuries, death or them to flee in fear, escaping their fields and causing road traffic accidents.
Councillor Graham Marsh, Portfolio Holder for Partnerships and Community Safety at East Lindsey District Council, said: “Fireworks are
becoming more and more popular for celebrations.
“We are aware people may still want to celebrate on the traditional dates, so we are asking them to be neighbourly and to consider using quieter fireworks. It’s good practice and should become second nature.”