IT is just over one month to Hallowe’en and police are advising the public that they need a licence for fireworks.
If you want to buy, possess and use fireworks (except indoor fireworks and sparklers), in the North you must have a valid fireworks licence.
Licences for a garden fireworks display cost a minimum of £30.
If you are thinking of using fireworks as part of a celebration, you should follow these safety steps:
- only buy fireworks marked with a CE mark – this shows that the firework meets European safety standards which all fireworks must meet (a reputable shop will know this)
- don’t drink alcohol if you’re setting off fireworks
- store fireworks in a closed, metal box and take out one at a time
- keep a bucket of water nearby
- follow the instructions on each firework – read by torchlight, don’t use a naked flame
- light fireworks at arm’s length, using the taper provided
- make sure everyone stands well back
- don’t go back to a firework that is lit – even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode
- don’t put fireworks in your pocket
- don’t throw fireworks
- always supervise children around fireworks, don’t give sparklers to a child under five
- light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
- keep pets indoors
- don’t set off fireworks late at night
- take care around open flames such as bonfires and barbecues – all clothes, even those labelled ‘low flammability’, can catch fire.
To apply for a licence go to the website of www.nidirect.gov.uk and follow the links.
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