bnwa

Advice
Fireworks
Fireworks are fun to watch but can be dangerous if not handled properly. They should always be treated with care. Did you know that children, including babies and toddlers, suffer over half of all firework injuries? Did you also know that sparklers get five times hotter than cooking oil? Sparklers should never be given to a child under five. Though fun for us, fireworks are not fun for animals. Most animals get very scared by the light and noise, so you should take precautions to protect your pets during the times of the year when fireworks are likely to be set off. Try to follow the few simple rules listed below and your celebrations should be enjoyable and not marred by any accidents:- • Never drink alcohol if setting off fireworks. • Only buy fireworks if they are marked BS 7114 • Always keep fireworks in a closed box. • Follow the instructions on each firework. • Light them at arm’s length, using a taper, and stand well clear. • Never go near a firework that has not gone off, it could still explode. • Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them. • Always supervise children around fireworks. • Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves. • Never give sparklers to a child under five. • Keep your pets indoors.
Fireworks Laws !
The Fireworks Act of 2003 and 2004 are quite complex in their definitions of types of fireworks and the sale of such items, but the essential details are as follows:- 1. No one under the age of 18 years is permitted to purchase 'adult' fireworks. A broad definition of an 'adult' firework is anything above sparklers, party poppers, cracker snaps etc. 2. It is an offence for any person under the age of 18 years to be in possession of any 'adult' firework(s) in a public place, at any time. 3. No one, regardless of age, can let off an 'adult' firework during night hours. Night hours are defined as 11.00pm one day to 07.00am the next day. The starting times of night hours will be later on special celebration days as shown below:- Bonfire Night - the night hours will commence at midnight on November 5th. New Year - the night hours will commence at 01.00am on January 1st. Chinese New Year - the night hours will commence at 01.00am on the day following the first day of Chinese New Year. Diwali - the night hours will commence at 01.00am on the day following Diwali. In January 2005 new regulations came into force regarding the supply of fireworks. Suppliers are now required to obtain a licence from local authorities to be able to sell fireworks all year round. However licences will not be required for the selling of fireworks in the following periods only:- During the period beginning on 15th October and ending on 10th November each year. During the period beginning on 26th December and ending on 31st December each year. On the first day of Chinese New Year and the three days immediately preceding it. On the day of Diwali and the three days immediately preceding it. The full regulations of the Fireworks Act 2004 can be found at the following link:- http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2004/20041836.htm Please also see out web page on Antisocial Behaviour - Fireworks Page last updated/reviewed 6th January 2010