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Remember, remember . . . the impact of fireworks
With Bonfire Night approaching, people are being urged to celebrate at an organised display rather than using fireworks at home.
Alongside the fun and enjoyment, the evening can bring significant safety risks and have a damaging impact on others.
Whilst fireworks are spectacular, they can raise background noise levels by several dozen decibels, affecting the wellbeing of those with noise sensitivity, including autistic people.
The loud bangs, lights and strong smells of fireworks can be challenging for armed forces veterans, and pet owners know only too well the distress it can cause to animals.
More often than not, it’s children rather than adults who are injured by fireworks, with more than 350 preschool children in the UK treated in hospital over the last five years.
Assistant Chief Officer Ross Haggart, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Director of Prevention and Protection, said: “While we want people to enjoy and celebrate Bonfire Night, we’d encourage everyone to leave the fireworks to the experts and find an organised display nearby.
“If you’re not attending a public display, it’s imperative that you follow the fireworks code. The fifth of November is our busiest night of the year by up to four times. “By attending an official display, you can help ensure our resources aren’t delayed for someone who really needs our assistance.” Gilly Mendes Ferreira, Scottish SPCA head of Education and Policy, said: “For years we have supported tighter restrictions on public use due to the stress and anxiety caused to animals. “Most calls report animals being
Fireworks can raise background noise levels by several decibels which can cause particular distress to those with noise sensitivity, including autistic people.
Fiona Clarke, an autistic person living in Scotland, has supported the campaign.
She said: ”I think, visually, fireworks are a sensory delight and portray celebration but for some people with – even without sensory issues – the noise, flashes of light, together with the unpredictable nature of how long they will go on for, can be overwhelming.
“It’s not just sensory issues that can cause some autistic people difficulty with fireworks, as some may simply not understand what Bonfire Night is or what to expect.
“I think this campaign is very important in raising awareness of the negative impact, in addition to physical safety, fireworks could have on others. I’d encourage people to be more mindful of that by attending local organised fireworks displays where practical.”