Firefighters have teamed up with police and ambulance colleagues to say ‘stay safe’ this fireworks season.
With Bonfire Night just around the corner, many people will be looking forward to celebrating the return of organised events following cancellations in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) has joined forces with Hampshire Constabulary and South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) to remind people how they can protect themselves and others from injury.
The Children’s Burns Trust says around 500 children are taken to A&E each year in the four weeks leading up to 5th November. And every call-out to a firework or bonfire incident has the potential to divert our crews away from other emergencies.
Group Manager for Community Safety at HIWFRS, John Amos, has said:
“We want to make sure everyone enjoys the festivities safely by reminding people across our communities to have fun but always follow the firework code.
“Many organised fireworks displays are back on this year, and we would encourage people to enjoy these rather than holding their own, but if you are holding a home display, make safety your priority.
“Please talk to your children about the dangers fireworks pose to them and others. Fireworks are explosives and should always be kept away from children and pets and stored in a dry environment, away from any sources of heat or ignition.
Article continues below this advertisement “We urge you to avoid taking unnecessary risks and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.”
Chief Inspector Dave Humphries from Hampshire Constabulary adds:
“Please support us in ensuring that the communities of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are safe this Bonfire Night.
“It has been another difficult year for everyone so please help your emergency services by showing respect for your neighbours and those around you, following the firework code and ensuring a safe night. Thank you for your support.”
The firework code:
• Only buy fireworks from a licensed seller, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time
• Read and follow the instructions on each firework, using a torch if needed
• Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back
• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
• Never return to a firework once it has been lit
• Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them
• Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators
• Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire
• Make sure that the fire is out, and surroundings are made safe before leaving
Burns advice:
If you or someone you know does suffer a burn:
• Move the casualty away from the fire.
• Cool the burn for at least twenty minutes under cold running water. This will help to reduce any pain and swelling.
• Once the burn has been cooled, cover it with clean cling film. This helps to reduce the risk of infection and helps to reduce the pain by stopping the cold air getting to the burn.
• Do not burst any blisters.
• If the burn is bigger than the casualty’s palm or is deep, call 999. You should also call 999 if the burns are on the casualty’s face, hands or feet.
• Treatment advice for minor burns can be accessed through the NHS 111 Service or through your local urgent treatment centre.
For more advice on how to stay safe whilst celebrating visit www.hantsfire.gov.uk.
I had hoped that Island Echo and all the other local media sources would do their best to publicize the organized events to help bring this message home to all their viewers.
Sadly, it seems that I was wrong; such a shame.
Just 2 or 3 public events this year. We will be running an article in due course.