Stay safe this Bonfire Night: celebrate responsibly and protect your community
Stay safe this Bonfire Night: celebrate responsibly and protect your community
As Halloween and Bonfire Night approach, Guildford Borough Council is reminding residents to celebrate these events safely, responsibly and considerately.
Whether you’re trick-or-treating or enjoying fireworks, taking precautions to protect yourself and others goes a long way. If you are out trick-or-treating, please remember that not everyone wants a call at their home. Be considerate of more vulnerable members of the community, who might be distressed at the idea of strangers knocking on their door.
When it comes to Bonfire Night, the Council encourages residents to attend organised events. They’re professionally managed, less disruptive to pets and animals and are the safest option for families to enjoy. They also help to reduce the risk of injury, fire and environmental harm.
Research from Waste Direct shows that fireworks contribute to an average increase of 20-30% in air pollution during festivals such as Diwali, Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve.
Information on public displays in Surrey can be found on Visit Surrey’s website.
Our safety tips:
- Buy fireworks from reputable, licensed retailers and never from unregulated sources. You must be aged 18 and over to purchase fireworks.
- Choose low-noise or silent fireworks to reduce stress for pets, livestock and neighbours.
- Set off fireworks earlier in the evening to be considerate of your neighbours and never after midnight on Bonfire Night (or 11pm on other nights.)
- Follow all safety instructions carefully and never return to firework once lit.
- Avoid sky lanterns which pose risks to wildlife, property and the environment.
- Keep pets indoors, close windows and curtains and consider playing music or putting the TV on mask firework sounds.
- Extinguish bonfires fully and clear up debris to protect local wildlife.
Cllr Merel Rehorst-Smith, Lead Councillor for Regulatory Services at Guildford Borough Council, said:
“Everyone loves a celebration with family and friends but this shouldn’t be to the detriment of neighbours and nature. By choosing public displays and buying fireworks from trusted retailers, we can keep families safe and reduce the impact on neighbours, animals and the environment.
“We understand that some people may wish to host their own fireworks displays but we ask them to consider lower-impact options such as light shows or community-organised displays. These help reduce our environmental footprint while still offering an enjoyable experience.
“Small changes can make a big difference to air quality and our communities.”
Information on public displays in Surrey can be found on Visit Surrey’s website.
Visit the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents website for more tips on keeping safe this Bonfire Night.
More advice on how to keep your pets safe during celebrations can be found on the RSPCA’s website.
The PDSA has further suggestions for keeping your pets safe and comfortable.
The British Hedgehog Society also has information on how to keep hedgehogs safe during Bonfire celebrations. Visit their website to read more.
Press contact: Steven Toplis – e-mail Steven.Toplis@guildford.gov.uk