Be Safe and Sensible on Guy Fawkes Night

Yes, the time of year has arrived again! The time of year when you go out for a stroll and suddenly get the fright of your life and jump out of your skin! The time of year when your dog hides behind the couch and the cat follows suit...yes, you guessed it...Guy Fawkes Night is rapidly approaching.

Organised events are obviously the safer option, with experienced and professional people handling the fireworks at all times. As far as I am aware Kilmarnock's Kay Park is where the closest organised display will be held this 5th of November. West FM's Colin McArdle will start the event off at 6.30pm.

I realise that travelling 7 miles to see such an event, in the cold, at night with children isn't an attractive option to some people, especially if you are making the journey on public transport, however its definitely the safest and cheapest option. If you choose to stay at home and have a private display for the kids, then safety is of paramount importance.

In a recent conversation I had with Station Commander Graeme Binning of Dregorn Fire Station he said, "Our great concern is always the welfare and safety of our operational fire crews who sometimes during the discharge of their duties over the bonfire season, come under attack (both verbally and physically.) Our goal is for people to enjoy bonfire night safely and as such we recommend attending organised (risk assessed) events."

Here are a few points to remember this Guy Fawkes Night:

• Guy Fawkes is the busiest night of the year for Strathclyde Fire & Rescue.
• Your local firefighters can be up to ten times busier than normal.
• Don't light bonfires - these fires can spread quickly to involve buildings and other property.
• If you want to enjoy the celebrations this year, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue advises members of the public to attend an organised display.
• Such events are normally organised by your local authority and appropriate risk assessments are carried out.
• As such, you and your family can enjoy the evening's entertainment in a safe and controlled environment.
• And your local firefighters are available to attend elsewhere in the event of a serious fire or road traffic collision, where they may be needed to save someone's life.
• Strathclyde Fire & Rescue - "Let's Work Together"

We are urging all of you not to take risks with fireworks; these are explosives not toys. Most people do treat fireworks in the proper way, however there is a small number of individuals that don't. We need to stamp out the anti social behaviour element at this time of year for all our sakes.

We want to make sure you stay safe this firework night by following this advice:

1. Always buy fireworks marked BS 7114
2. Do not drink alcohol if you're setting off fireworks
3. Keep fireworks in a closed box
4. Follow the instructions on each firework
5. Light at arm's length, using a taper
6. Stand well back
7. Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn't gone off, it could still explode
8. Never put fireworks in you pocket or throw them
9. Always supervise children around fireworks
10. Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
11. Never give sparklers to a child under five
12. Keep pets indoors

Keeping this code in mind ensures that you and your family stay safe. If you are worried about your pets during this time, here is a few tips on how to make them feel less anxious.

1. Bring all hutches and cages in for the night or if left outside, cover them with a heavy blanket to muffle the sound of the bang and to block out the sight of the fireworks.
2. Make sure all dogs and cats are safely inside the house. Remember to block off any cat flaps.
3. Give your pet extra bedding to make him feel snug and secure.
4. Put on some music or have the T.V. on, to deaden the sound of the fireworks.

Fireworks and the Law

You can't set fireworks off between 11pm and 7am except for 5th November when you can set them off until midnight.
You must be over 18 to buy fireworks.
It is an offence to throw or set off fireworks in a street or public place
It is illegal for anyone under 18 to possess fireworks in public


There are many horrific injuries cause by the mis-use of fireworks. Recently an Aberdeen football supporter was seriously burned when a firework was let off on the train he was travelling on. If not handled carefully and responsibly these explosives can kill! Last year 85 Scots were injured by fireworks, hence the reason I am including this post in The Irvinite, if it saves just one person from the awful injuries fireworks can cause, then it will be worth it.



(Post photographs provided courtesy of and with thanks to Free Public Domain Photo Database)