Spotlight: Fireworks, the Legal Explosive? Part 6
Bangers and Crash: Dealing with the menace of 'legal' explosives - Fireworks
Firework Safety
Neighbours From Hell in Britain recommends this to keep yourself and your pets more protected during firework periods and other 'seasonal nuisances' such as Halloween:
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Seal up your letter box and cat flaps where appropriate. This can help unwanted items falling and coming into your home.
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Close curtains and blinds: To prevent firework flashes from upsetting your pets and you.
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Turn the television on: To help drown out firework noises for you and your animals.
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Make sure that your pets/animals are inside, especially on November 5th and the weekends of the 1st/2nd & 8th/9th November.
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Clean up leaves in your garden. Stray fireworks could ignite these deliberately or accidentally.
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Report illegally trading firework retailers to your trading standards and Police where appropriate.
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Report misuse of fireworks (according to legislation) to your local police and insist this is recorded and acted upon wherever possible.
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Remember, follow the Firework Safety Code (below) if you are using Fireworks.
If you're planning your own display, remember this, it could save your life or someone else's -
"The Firework Safety Code"
> Source: DTI - Home Safety Network
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Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114.
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Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
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Keep fireworks in a closed box.
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Follow the instructions on each firework.
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Light them at arm's length, using a taper.
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Stand well back.
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Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn't gone off, it could still explode.
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Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
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Always supervise children around fireworks.
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Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
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Never give sparklers to a child under five.
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Keep pets indoors.
