Stay Alert, Don’t Get Hurt, This Fireworks Night
With organised displays taking place this year, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are preparing for a busier night that usual. We’re asking people not to take risks which could alternatively put additional pressures on our emergency services. We are asking everyone to stay alert, don’t get hurt this Fireworks night.
Last year, between October and November we attended 555 deliberate fires, 19 of which were caused by Firework and Bonfire misuse – a slight increase since 2019. We’d like to see these numbers decrease as attending firework and bonfire misuse incidents can cost lifesaving minutes in our firefighters getting to other emergencies. Fireworks and bonfires can be extremely dangerous if not managed and handled correctly. Please don’t put your loved ones or local community at risk, fires can spread and become out of control in a matter of seconds, risking damage to property, injury and even death.
Head of Community Safety and Partnerships, Group Manager Bleddyn Jones said: “This time of year is always a busy time for our firefighters. Setting off fireworks in your own garden poses significant risk therefore we will always encourage the public to attend a professionally organised display.
If you do choose to celebrate in the comfort of your own home, please do so carefully, take extreme care and follow the firework code.
Our message is simple – be sensible and look after yourselves and each other so that you don’t require our services during your evening. We attend many unsupervised fires and injuries caused by fireworks and out of control bonfires. Fireworks are a lot of fun but it’s very important to be cautious and to enjoy the celebrations responsibly. Acting irresponsibly around fires and fireworks can have devastating consequences, can cause life threatening injuries and can even cost lives.”
A recent survey carried out by the RSPCA showed that among pet/animal owners, almost 2/3 (63%) report signs of distress in their animals during the firework season.
The RSPCA received 11,000 responses to its new firework incident reporting survey in 2021 – 68% of these reports came from members of the public whose animals had been impacted by private at-home backyard displays and 94% of respondents to our 2021 impact survey did not have prior notice of firework displays within their locality.
Shockingly 19% of reports received about animals in distress were as a result of antisocial behaviour.
Carrie Stones, RSPCA campaigns manager, said: “There is a wealth of information on the RSPCA website on how to prepare your animals in advance such as bringing pets inside and providing extra bedding to make a safe haven. We would also advise you to consult your vet if you feel your animal is particularly anxious.
“If people were considering holding their own displays we’d urge them to be considerate and keep neighbours with animals, including those with nearby horses and other livestock, informed of plans well in advance so they can make preparations to reduce the stress to their animals.
“Equally lower-noise fireworks can make such a difference to make displays safer for everybody.
“Put simply please keep animals in mind if you are planning your own display and check out our advice on our website .
RSPCA has been running its #BangOutOfOrder campaign for many years which supports more controls over fireworks displays.
For more general tips please visit the RSPCA website .
Remember that fireworks are explosives, and as such should be treated with respect and only used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the Firework Code.
Injuries can be prevented by following the Firework code. If you do suffer a burn, ensure you:-
Firefighters are holding their annual Firework displays for 2022!
Blaenau Gwent
Please note that tickets to the following displays are now SOLD OUT:
Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to your safety. Be safe and not sorry and follow the advice below;
Decorations
Pumpkins are a staple of the Halloween season and carving one can be fun. Despite traditionally containing candles to light up their frightening expression, we recommend switching to battery operated lights as a safer option.
Lanterns and Pumpkins
Halloween is a great occasion to dress your home with all sorts of spooky decorations. Many homes use candles in their decorations to enhance the eerie atmosphere. We would always recommend that you use battery operated lights in the first instance but if you choose to use candles, it’s important to be wary of where they are situated and the other decorations around it. Candles should be isolated enough so that they don’t pose any danger, so make sure other decorations or hanging parts are kept away from the naked flames.
Candle Safety
Make sure candles are secured in a proper holder and away from materials that may catch fire – like curtains. Put candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they’re put out completely at night. Use a snuffer or a spoon to put out candles, it’s safer than blowing them out as sparks can fly. Remember, children should never be left alone with lit candles.
Costumes
Be wary of the materials used in Halloween costumes. Synthetic materials are much more flammable than natural materials, so keep an eye out for costumes containing cotton, silk or wool. These materials will be more resistant to fire and give yourself more time to act if a fire does occur.
For more advice and guidance please visit: https://www.southwales-fire.gov.uk/your-safety-wellbeing/.