Be aware of the noise and enjoy fireworks safely

A Trigger Guide has been launched by fireworks supplier, Fireworks.co.uk, which ranks fireworks by noise level.

The guide aims to help those negatively affected by firework sounds find one which is best suited to their needs and enable them to enjoy the festivities like everyone else.

The UK government found that 37 per cent of adults have concerns around safety and the distress fireworks can sometimes cause to animals and some people.

On top of this, last year the RSPCA reported that 69 per cent of adults regularly take at least one measure to help prepare their animals for fireworks.

However, animals aren’t the only ones who may struggle with loud noises, Norman Wilkinson, director at Ghengis Fireworks explains, “Autistic and noise-averse children or those with other sensory sensitivities may really struggle to understand what’s going on, and the multiple bangs can cause considerable upset.”

“Rather than going for loud bangs, consider choosing fireworks with lower noise levels. They can be just as amazing to look at, without causing any distress.”

“Our new ‘Trigger Guide’ will help people who still want to celebrate with fireworks but without the loud bangs.”

Here are seven top safety tips that should be followed by everyone using fireworks:

Plan ahead
Plan your firework display with safety in mind to make it more enjoyable, this should include prepping your launch site, collecting your safety equipment and informing your neighbours.

Read and follow all instructions via torchlight if required on each firework before using them.

Keep them dry
Always keep fireworks in a sealed damp-proof box.

Clean up correctly
Always make sure to dispose of any used fireworks correctly via your general household waste.

Always make sure fireworks are non-explosive and leave debris at least one hour after your display before tidying up.

If one hasn’t gone off after it has been lit, drowning or submerging the firework using a bucket of water should render it non-explosive so you can dispose of it normally.

Stand at a safe distance
Only ever use one firework at a time so you can control where it goes off and make sure to ignite at arm’s length and then stand well back immediately.

Keep water handy
Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy when lighting fireworks to make sure you’re prepared for any mishaps.

Keep all pets indoors
It is a good idea to ensure they are kept inside at all times.

This makes sure they don’t run near the fireworks and ensures that any bangs don’t startle them and send them running away or in the direction of any fireworks that haven’t been lit yet.

Avoid having bonfires
Think twice before having a bonfire at home and try to go to a professional one, if possible.

Lighting a bonfire in a garden presents a significant risk to those who live in the immediate vicinity if it were to get out of control.

Not only this, the smoke can aggravate those with respiratory problems.

To find fireworks that work for you, go to https://www.fireworks.co.uk/firework-safety/firework-trigger-guide/

 

Top Picture: Iker Urteaga on Unsplash