With Bonfire Night fast approaching, Dorset Police, Dorset
Fire and Rescue Service and Dorset’s Trading Standards Service are
together issuing advice to the public to ensure celebrations across
Dorset are safe and enjoyable.
Bonfire Night can be a
busy time of year for the emergency services and local authorities.
To ensure the county remains safe during this time, Safer
Neighbourhood Teams will be carrying out extra patrols throughout
the Bonfire Night period.
A Dorset Police
spokesperson said: “Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for local
communities to get together and have fun, but we want to make sure
that the public are kept safe and feel safe.
A Bonfire Night safety poster
(956kb PDF) is available to download by following this link
>>
“It is important to
remember that some members of our community, such as older
residents and young children, can be scared by fireworks and find
them distressing.
“Parents must also make
sure that they keep their children safe during Bonfire Night
celebrations, as bonfires and firework displays can present dangers
to children.
“Members of the public
are also reminded that it is an offence for anyone under the age of
18 to have adult fireworks in their possession in a public place.
Retailers will be liable to prosecution if they are found selling
fireworks to anyone under the age of 18.”
Ivan Hancock, Divisional
Trading Standards Manager for Dorset County Council, said: “I would
certainly urge people to only buy fireworks from reputable
suppliers, such as usual known retailers, and follow any
instructions provided carefully.
“The fireworks they sell undergo significant
safety testing and there are stringent requirements on explosive
content, performance and instructions for safe use.
“If the public have concerns about any shops
or outlets selling unsafe fireworks, storing them unsafely or
selling fireworks to those under the age of 18 they should contact
Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06, and we will investigate.”
Trading standards officers are currently
carrying out annual checks at retailers to ensure fireworks are
safely stored and customers and employees are not put at
unnecessary risk. Any Dorset retailers requiring advice on the sale
or safe storage of fireworks can contact the Trading Standards
Service Business Advice Line on 01305 or 01202 224702.
Anne Newell, Prevention Delivery Manager at
Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We would like to encourage
all those enjoying the season to be safe, we would therefore urge
anyone who is using fireworks or having a bonfire to consider the
potential fire risks.
“There are a few simple things that can be
done to reduce these risks, always follow the instructions on each
firework and light them at arms length, using a taper and ensure
that bonfires and fireworks are away from sheds, fences and other
flammable materials.
“If you see anything suspicious or anyone
attempting to light unauthorised fires, please call 999 and report
it immediately."
The Firework Code:
- Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114
- Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
- Keep fireworks in a closed box
- Follow the instructions on each firework
- Light at arm's length, using a taper
- Stand well back
- Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t
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 pets indoors
Bonfire advice:
- Site well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead
cables, trees and shrubs and always away from fireworks
- Before lighting the fire, check that no pets or children are
hiding inside it
- Build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse
outwards or to one side
- Never use flammable liquids – paraffin or petrol – to light the
fire
- Don’t burn foam-filled furniture, aerosols and tins of paint or
bottles
- Keep everyone away from the fire – especially children, who
must be supervised at all times
In addition, Dorset Police is issuing the following
advice about firework and bonfire displays:
- Fireworks must not be let off after 11pm (this is extended up
to midnight on 5 November itself)
- Young people under the age of 18 cannot buy – or be in
possession of – adult fireworks
- Children must always have adult supervision at firework and
bonfire displays
- All firework and bonfire displays must be properly
supervised
- Safety advice that accompanies fireworks must be read and
followed at all times
- Always keep a bucket of water close by
If members of the public have any concerns
they can contact Dorset Police on 01202 / 01305 22 22 22. If life
is in danger or a crime is in progress dial 999.
A Bonfire Night safety poster
(956kb PDF) is available to download by following this link
>>