Tonight, and over the weekend, people across the county will be gathering around bonfires and setting off fireworks to celebrate Bonfire Night.
Thames Valley Police and the Fire and Rescue Service are urging people to take extra care at their Bonfire Night parties.
The force makes it clear that the safest way to enjoy Bonfire Night is at professionally organised firework displays.
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A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “We want everyone to enjoy a safe and trouble-free Bonfire Night and are working closely with Trading Standards to ensure fireworks aren’t sold to those who are under 18.
“Please think of others and remember that fireworks shouldn’t be let off between 11pm and 7am.
“If you are holding your own fireworks party please don’t put your family or friends at risk.”
The force says that people should always remember to follow the ‘fireworks code’.
This is:
- Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114
- Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
- Keep fireworks in a closed box
- Follow the instructions on each firework
- Light them at arm’s length, using a taper
- Stand well back
- Never go near a firework that has been lit
- Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode
- Never put a firework in your pocket or throw them
- Always supervise children around fireworks
- Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
- Never give sparklers to a child under 5
- Keep pets indoors
🎇 Stay safe this bonfire night 🎇
— TVP Chiltern&S.Bucks (@TVP_ChiltSBucks) November 5, 2021
At this time of year we see a rise in calls regarding ASB & misuse of fireworks 👮🏼♀️
If used irresponsibly fireworks can cause damage, do harm to people & animals or pose a serious fire risk 🚒
For more info: https://t.co/FDzoGFLAXe
Thames Valley Police has also released advice to help people understand if the fireworks they are using are safe and legal.
It is illegal to:
- Posses professional display fireworks (unless you are a fireworks professional)
- To set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on Bonfire Night when the limit is 12am. Other exceptions include New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year when the legal hours are 7am to 1am the following day
- For a person under 18 to possess an adult firework in a public place
For more information on fireworks safety you can visit the Thames Valley Police website.
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