Organisers of public Bonfire Night displays and private households are being asked to continue being considerate when setting off fireworks, to help reduce the impact on people and animals in North Kesteven.
Loud and unexpected bangs from fireworks can cause significant distress to domestic pets and farm animals, as well as affecting people with mental health conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, autism and hearing problems.
Following a hotly debated motion passed in May 2021, the Council is continuing its work on fireworks by helping gather information about public displays centrally and promoting its Considerate Fireworks Code.
Organisers of local displays are asked to share the details of their events on the Council’s dedicated webpage in advance, so that residents who may be impacted can check and prepare accordingly.
Just visit www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/fireworks to submit details of your community fireworks event quickly and easily.
The Council is asking residents who want to release fireworks to take note of its Considerate Fireworks Code, and to give careful thought to when and how they use fireworks:
- Tell your neighbours about your plans so that they can make arrangements for vulnerable people and pets that might be afraid.
- Consider buying less noisy fireworks. Your supplier should be able to tell you the types of fireworks they are selling.
- Only buy fireworks from licensed sellers – fireworks should carry a ‘CE’ or ‘UKCA’ mark.
- Consider timing – stick to celebration dates where possible, such as Fireworks Night, Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year.
- Remember that fireworks cannot be let off between 11pm and 7am except on Bonfire Night (when the curfew is midnight) and New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am. These curfews are legal regulations and are enforced by the police.
- Make sure you let off your fireworks in an open garden area - noise bounces off buildings and smoke and pollution can build up in enclosed spaces.
- Keep your pets safe by keeping them inside. For any small animals that live outside give them material and bedding to burrow in.
- Read all the safety warnings on the box of fireworks before you use them. If you don’t understand the instructions, don’t use the firework.
- Let the Council know if you are having an event and it will be listed on our website to inform local residents - n-kesteven.gov.uk/fireworks.
For more information on who can use fireworks and what to do if you think they are being misused, see also www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/fireworks