People in Gedling borough planning fireworks celebrations for Bonfire Night and Diwali are being offered safety advice from Nottinghamshire County Council‘s Trading Standards team.
The team is advising people to take note of safety advice when it comes to purchasing and setting off fireworks.
The top advice includes only purchasing fireworks from licensed sellers, looking out for the CE or UKCA mark on goods and remembering that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase fireworks.
Anyone planning a home display should also be aware that category F2 and F3 fireworks require different safety distances, so the team is asking people to check the requirements, keeping the size of their garden in mind.
Though both Bonfire Night and Diwali mean that fireworks are allowed past 11pm, anyone setting them off must be aware that different curfews are in place (midnight for Bonfire Night and 1am for Diwali).
Trish Hennessy, trading standards team manager, said: “We know that many people may be planning home firework displays, and so it’s really important for everyone to take note of the safety advice – not just for themselves, but also for their guests.
“If you have purchased fireworks, it’s really important to read the box as this will tell you important things like how far away people need to stand back once they are lit.
“We cannot emphasise enough that if you don’t understand the instructions or warnings, it’s best not to use the firework.
“It’s also a good idea to give neighbours warning that you will be setting off fireworks so they can plan in advance for any pets which might be affected.
“When it comes to pets, if you have them and will be setting off fireworks, we recommend keeping dogs and cats inside and making sure they have somewhere to hide.
“If you have small outdoor pets, it’s a good idea to give them extra bedding and nesting material to burrow in as fireworks may frighten them.
“We want everyone to have a safe and happy Bonfire Night and Diwali, so please keep our advice in mind before purchasing and lighting fireworks this weekend.”
