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Firework Safety

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Key Message Safety
Key Message Pets & Animals
You Can Help By
Small Animals
Horses and Ponies
Retailers
Links

Key Message Safety

Watching fireworks can be great fun for children. But figures show that, more often than not, it's children rather than adults who get hurt by fireworks. Over the past five years over 350 pre-school children, some as young as one year old, were treated in hospital for firework injuries. Statistically, teenagers are the most likely age group to end up in the casualty ward.

So don't put your family at risk. Always follow the Firework Code and be considerate of others. Organised firework shows are often safer, more entertaining and much more cost effective.

Key Message Pets and Animals: DOGS and CATS

ALWAYS- keep dogs and cats inside when fireworks are being let off.

ALWAYS- close all windows and doors, and block off cat flaps to stop pets escaping and to keep noise to a minimum. Draw the curtains, and if the animals are used to the particular sounds of TV or radio, switch them on but not too loudly in order to block out some of the noise of the fireworks.

ALWAYS- make sure your pet is wearing some form of easily readable identification (ID) - even in the house. By law, they should have at least a collar and tag, but think about fitting them with a microchip, so that if they do run away they have a better chance of being returned to you.

NEVER- take your dog to a firework display. Even if your dog does not bark or whimper at fireworks it doesn't mean he's happy. Excessive panting and yawning can sometimes indicate that your dog is stressed.

NEVER- tie your dog up outside while fireworks are being let off, i.e. outside a shop whilst you pop inside, or leave them in the garden or in your car.

NEVER- walk your dog while fireworks are going off. Make sure your dog is walked earlier in the day before the fireworks start.

NEVER- shout at your pet if it is frightened, as you will only make it more stressed.

You Can Help By

Preparing a 'den' for your pet so it can feel comfortable, perhaps under a bed with some of your old clothes where it can hide when the fireworks start.

If your pet does pace around, whines or meows and tries to hide in a corner, leave it alone and do not try to coax it out. It is just trying to find safety and should not be disturbed.

Trying not to leave your pet alone during such potentially upsetting events

Staying calm and acting normally. Praise your pet when it is calm.

If you leave your pet alone and come back to find that it has been destructive, do not shout or get angry.

Small Animals

Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, ferrets and birds all need to be treated with special care when fireworks are being let off. These animals are easily frightened. The Blue Cross advises that owners of such types of small animal should follow these precautions.

Hutches/cages and enclosures should, if possible, be brought into a quiet room indoors, or into a garage or shed

Give your pet extra bedding to burrow into so it feels safe

If you cannot bring your pet's hutch inside, you should turn its enclosure around so that it faces a wall or fence instead of the open garden

Cover any aviaries or hutches with thick blankets or a duvet to block out the sight of the fireworks and deaden the sound of the bangs, but make sure there is enough ventilation

Horses and Ponies

Fireworks must not be set off near livestock or horses in fields or close to buildings. Anyone planning a firework display in a rural area should warn neighbouring farmers in advance.

Try to make sure that fireworks are never set off near your horse's field or stable. Wherever possible tell neighbours and local fireworks display organisers that there are horses nearby so that they can ensure fireworks are set off in the opposite direction and well away from them.

Unfortunately we are often not forewarned about private fireworks displays so think and plan ahead for 5th November and New Year's Eve. Be proactive about finding out when other celebratory occasions involving fireworks might occur.

It is sensible to keep your horse in its familiar environment, in its normal routine with any companions to make it feel secure If your horse is usually stabled then keep it stabled. If it is normally out in the field, keep it there as long as it is safe, secure and not near the fireworks display area.

Ensure that you or someone experienced stays with your horse if you know that fireworks are being set off. This way you can observe its behaviour, ensure that it remains as safe and calm as possible and respond to its reactions appropriately.

If you know your horse reacts badly to loud noises or unusual circumstances speak to your vet or perhaps consider moving your horse for the night

Try to remain calm and positive as horses can sense unease in a person and this might make things worse if the horse is startled

Be careful yourself. Try not to get in the way if your horse becomes startled as you may get hurt.

Don't take the risk of riding when you think fireworks might be set off

If it is absolutely necessary for you to leave your horse in the care of another person during a fireworks show, then ensure that you leave clear instructions and contact details for yourself and your vet should any problems arise

http://www.dti.gov.uk/fireworks: Visit the Department of Trade and Industry Fireworks Safety Website:

Retailers

Be aware of responsibilities and comply with legislation in order to avoid the possibility of a heavy fine.