People are being urged to follow firework safety advice as organisations across North Yorkshire work together to reduce injuries and incidents during the Bonfire Night period.
The message supports the national ‘My safety: fireworks’ campaign, which asks people to ‘Think beyond your garden. Know your impact’ by considering how fireworks affect neighbours, animals and local communities, as well as taking steps to use them safely.
Many firework-related injuries occur at private celebrations, with injuries to the hands, eyes and face among the most common. Fireworks can also cause fires, damage to property and distress to people and animals when used irresponsibly.
Executive member for corporate services, Cllr Heather Phillips, whose responsibilities include community safety: “We want residents to have fun, but we also want Bonfire Night to pass without avoidable injuries, fires or antisocial behaviour.
“That's why we're encouraging people to follow the advice available and make safety their priority.
“We are also asking people to be considerate. Thinking about the impact fireworks may have on neighbours, older people, young children, pets and livestock helps ensure everyone can enjoy themselves.”
To help people understand how to reduce risks and buy fireworks safely and legally, officers from North Yorkshire Council's trading standards and community safety teams will join colleagues from North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service for a community safety event in Scarborough on Thursday, October 22.
The drop-in event, taking place from 11am to 1pm outside the Poundland store in Westborough, will give residents the opportunity to speak directly to professionals about firework safety, legal requirements and the importance of buying from reputable retailers.
Executive member for managing our environment, Cllr Richard Foster, whose responsibilities include trading standards, said: “This event gives residents the opportunity to speak directly to professionals about buying fireworks safely and legally and understanding what to look for when purchasing products.
“Choosing fireworks from reputable retailers helps to ensure products meet the required safety standards and reduces the risks associated with unsafe or non-compliant items.
“Whether you're attending an organised display or celebrating at home, having the right information can help people make informed decisions and enjoy Bonfire Night responsibly.”
National figures continue to highlight the risks associated with fireworks, with around 2,000 people in England attending hospital each year with firework-related injuries during the Bonfire Night season, while more than 100 require hospital admission. Injuries to the hands, eyes and face are among the most common.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s lead community safety officer, Colin Sutherland, said: “We would always encourage people to attend organised firework displays where possible. If you are planning your own display, make sure you follow the Firework Code, buy fireworks from reputable retailers, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time.
“Fireworks can cause serious injuries if they are misused, and they can also lead to fires and distress within local communities.
“We all have a part to play in keeping our communities safe. Please look out for your friends, neighbours, pets and vulnerable people so that everyone can enjoy the celebrations safely and responsibly.”
North Yorkshire Police's Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector, Craig Regan, said: “Used irresponsibly, fireworks can cause damage to property and cause significant harm to people and animals.
“As well as the risk of injury from fireworks exploding, they can also present a serious fire hazard. We're pleased to be supporting this event, which helps put firework safety firmly in the spotlight and encourages people to enjoy fireworks responsibly while keeping themselves, their families and their communities safe.
“If you're experiencing ongoing issues with people setting off fireworks irresponsibly, please report antisocial behaviour to us.”
See more information and advice on firework safety on the North Yorkshire Police website.