Fireworks Law reminder from Kent Police

Please see a reminder sent by Kent Police regarding the law on Fireworks:

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The laws concerning fireworks

• It is illegal for anyone under 18 to possess a firework in a public place.
• Fireworks cannot be set off by a private individual between 11.00pm and 7.00am except for certain nights of the year.
• It's an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to any captive or domestic animal.
• Unless retailers possess a special licence they may only sell fireworks from 15 October to 10 November, three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year and 26 to 31 December.

Take Care With Sparklers

Sparklers can reach a temperature of up to 2,000°C, I’m sure you’ll agree that’s quite hot!

So when handling them, always wear gloves. And when you’ve finished, have a bucket of water which people can plunge them in. If you’re giving them to children, then make sure they’re observed at all times.

Children under five should never hold a sparkler. Instead, you can give them a glow stick so they don’t feel left out, and it will last a lot longer than a sparkler.

Have Someone In Charge

You need to delegate one person to be in charge of the display. Give them a hi-vis vest so everyone can easily identify and find them. They should abstain from drinking, at least until after the display.

Doing otherwise increases the risk of injury, and means they’re less able to supervise properly. Equip them with a torch to see what they’re doing and a hat, gloves and goggles to keep them protected.

Buying Your Fireworks

Always buy fireworks from a reputable shop. Don’t cut corners trying to save a few quid and don’t buy from places you’re unsure about. All fireworks that conform to British Standards should have BS 7114 written on the packaging.

Also, make sure you buy fireworks which are appropriate. Most fireworks in Categories 1 to 3 will be okay for a garden display. All Category 4 fireworks are only for professional displays.

Setting Off The Fireworks

Long before you set them off, you should have read the instructions and prepared in the daylight. Let your neighbours know and remember it’s better to be over cautious. Make sure the area is clear of animals and people, and that all your guests are stood well back. Only light one firework at a time and never return to a firework after you’ve lighted it.

Once lit, run to safety and watch the beautiful fireworks light up the sky.

And Just In Case

Unfortunately, things can go wrong from time to time. If someone does get burnt, then remain calm. Cool the burn with cold water, then cover and go to a hospital if it’s serious. Maybe have a small first aid kit to hand for such accidents.

Should someone’s clothes catch alight, then get them to perform the stop, drop and roll. Have a fire blanket which you can also wrap around someone will put out the flames. And having a 2kg powder fire extinguisher means you can act quickly and prevent a small fire escalating.

Who to contact to report suspicious activity or a crime?

• If there is a threat to life or public safety, or you suspect a crime is in progress, call 999
• To report a crime other than a crime in progress visit the Kent Police website to access the ‘Live Chat’ facility.

Be Safe, Be Sure