Harlow Council and the Safer Harlow Partnership are urging residents to keep safe this Fireworks and Bonfire Night.
With there being no free Harlow fireworks display this year in the town park the council and the partnership are calling for residents to follow Essex Fire & Rescue Service’s fireworks safety campaign – show some respect this Fireworks night.
This year local emergency services are preparing for a busier night than usual as people celebrate in their own gardens. The fire service’s campaign is asking people to respect the firework, respect the emergency services and respect neighbours.
Residents who choose to have a display at home should follow the fireworks code and also the current High alert COVID rules and restrictions around social contact.
The Fire Service’s advice is that residents planning to let off fireworks should tell their neighbours first and avoid purchasing really noisy ones.
The full advice from Essex Fire & Rescue Service can be read at: www.essex-fire.gov.uk/news/Show_some_respect_this_Fireworks_Night/
Councillor Chris Vince, portfolio holder for community wellbeing, said: “A large organised public display with licensed professionals is one of the safest ways to enjoy fireworks, but due to the pandemic we are unable to hold our event this year and many more displays will be cancelled. At the end of the day fireworks are explosives so can be dangerous and can cause serious injury in the wrong hands. Fireworks should be treated with respect and care and those using them should always follow the fireworks code. We must also show respect to our hard working front line workers at the hospital, the ambulance service, the fire and police service by not putting additional pressure on them at an already demanding time. If you are thinking of having fireworks at home, listen to the fire service’s advice, think about the impact on your neighbours, pets and other animals near your home and always follow the fireworks code.”
Will Newman, Head of Prevention at Essex Fire & Rescue Service, said: “While most people use fireworks responsibly, in the wrong hands they can cause serious injury. Remember that fireworks are explosives and should be treated with great respect and care. We don’t want you to remember November 5th for the wrong reasons and especially this year, we do not want to put extra pressure on the emergency services.
“Fireworks should be treated with respect and only used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the Firework Code.
Marcus Bailey, Chief Operating Officer, East of England Ambulance Service said: “Celebrating Halloween and Bonfire Night will look different for many people this year, however, our important messages remain: we would ask everyone to enjoy themselves safely, think of others, think hands, face and space in line with Government advice.
“It may not be possible to attend an organised fireworks event this year, so please be extra careful if you choose to have a firework display at home in line with COVID government guidance.
“Be mindful of the cold weather, it’s important to wrap up, especially for the very young or elderly.
“Please stay safe and help keep our staff free to look after those patients who need us most.”
Martin Palmer from the Children’s Burns Club said: “You can avoid injuries by following the Fireworks Code, but if an accident does occur – remember;
1. Cool the burn with running cold tap water for 20 minutes and remove all clothing and jewellery (unless it is melted or firmly stuck to the wound).
2. Call for help for any burn larger than a 50p coin: 999, 111 or local GP for advice.
3. Cover with cling film or a sterile, non-fluffy dressing or cloth. Make sure the patient is kept warm.
The Firework Code
· Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and ensure it finishes before 11pm (12pm on Nov 5th)
· Only buy fireworks which carry the CE mark, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time
· Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary
· Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back
· Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
· Never return to a firework once it has been lit
· Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them
· Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators
· Don’t build bonfires, they can spread out of control very quickly
· Always supervise children around fireworks
Keeping pets safe
Fireworks can also cause a great deal of distress to animals. Advice on keeping pets and animal safe can be found on the RSPCA’s website: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/fireworks
Fireworks and the law
If it against the law to set off fireworks during 11pm and 7am. Exceptions to this are: Bonfire Night (7am until midnight) and New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year (7am to 1am the following day)
Unless part of an organised event by licensed professionals, fireworks cannot be used on the street or in a public place
It’s an offence to throw or set off any firework (including sparklers and category 1 fireworks) in or into any highway, street, thoroughfare or public space
High Level Covid restrictions
Harlow is currently in the high COVID alert level. What this means for residents can be read at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-level-high?priority-taxon=774cee22-d896-44c1-a611-e3109cce8eae
Reporting issues
If you’re experiencing nuisance noise from a neighbour regularly setting off fireworks on their property between the hours of 7am to 11pm contact the council at https://www.harlow.gov.uk/environment-and-animals/noise-problems
If you are experiencing a one-off, prolonged night of disturbance caused by illegal firework use, you can report this online at www.essex.police.uk
If you’ve witnessed fireworks being used in a dangerous manner, eg near a road, in a crowded area, by under-18s, and you feel they could cause harm to members of the public, call 999.
