Epic Fireworks Blog

Archive for the ‘November 5th’ Category

Bonfire Night and Diwali is a great event for all the family but when it comes to pets, irrespective of whether you believe that they are not affected by them or not, you would be best advised to keep them indoors.

Here at Epic, we have an 11 year old German Shepherd who has heard fireworks since he was a pup (at work etc) but we still take the necessary steps on Bonfire Night as it is even a disturbing time for him.

It can be a very frightening time for pets and it is not only the noise levels, as there will be children squealing as well as the screeches and reports on the fireworks for them to contend with. It is a very confusing time for dogs in particular as their hearing is supersensitive. That said, smaller animals like cats, mice, gerbils, ferrets and rabbits will also be affected.

Over the years, there have been a number of things created to help to address this issue. Here are some simple tips to protect your pets:

• Keep cats and dogs inside
• Under no circumstances should you leave your pet tied up outside or take them along to a display – this is cruel and un-necessary
• Don’t leave your pet alone for too long
• Give them more bedding to burrow in – they will feel more secure
• Bring cages/hutches indoors – into a quiet room, shed or garage. If this is not feasible, cover their cages over or turn them into a wall if they face the garden
• Cover any avaries/hutches with thick blankets or a duvet to block the sound of the fireworks out
• Make sure you walk your dog early doors – bear in mind that from darkness falling, there will be any number of fireworks around so you will reduce your dog’s stress levels
• Close all curtains, doors and close any cat/dog flaps to stop pets escaping to avoid the noise – they may disappear for good
• If your pet is used to having the noise of the TV, radio or music around, put them on to drown out some of the firework sounds
• Prepare a den perhaps under your bed with some old clothes and their favourite toys – it will help to keep them calm
• Let your dog/cat pace, whine, miaow or bark – if you try to comfort them, you may add to their distress

If you have a horse or pony, make sure you let any local Committee’s know, keep them in a familiar environment and if you know that your Horse reacts badly to noise, you may be as well arranging some stabling away from any possible noise for the night.

If you have a particularly anxious pet, you should speak to your vet about treatments that can help. Both traditional and homeopathic remedies such as Flower Essences and other natural products are available, and have been found to be very useful in many cases. It is important that you discuss any treatments with your vet before using them.

If you are having a Bonfire with your fireworks display, make sure that there are no animals hiding before lighting by tapping and poking into the pre-lit fire gently. Hedgehogs in particular when they are looking for shelter for the Winter Hibernation will make a home in a warm compost heap so the inviting pile of rubbish and wood will be just the thing. We don’t want to be hurting Mrs Tiggywinkle now do we.

Here are some animal support charities who can offer advice or assistance to you this Bonfire Night and Diwali:

Blue Cross For Pets - http://www.bluecross.org.uk/1752-3018/keeping-your-pets-safe-on-fireworks-night.html

PDSA Firework Tips - http://www.pdsa.org.uk/about-us/media-pr-centre/news/966_pet-tips-to-remember-for-fireworks-fear!

Pets During Diwali and Bonfire Night - http://www.animalfriends.org.uk/blog/pets-during-diwali-and-bonfire-night/2573/

Soundproof Dog Kennel – http://epicfireworks.com/blog/2012/04/soundproof-dog-kennel-protecting-your-pooch-this-4th-july/

A massive fireworks display in London marked the start of 2012 in the UK and what will be a huge year for the city as it hosts the Olympic Games in 2012.

• The firework display featured 12,000 fireworks.
• 250,000 revellers watched the display which included fireworks shooting out from the top of Big Ben.
• The display cost approximately £1.9m in total to stage.

Click here for a more detailed report.

Enjoy

The annual event in Bitts Park on the Saturday nearest November 5 attracts an estimated 35,000 people making it the city’s largest spectator event by some distance.

But with the city council laying off staff and grappling with a £1.1m cut in grant from central government, there had been fears that it might be sacrificed.

Mr Mitchelson has moved to quell such speculation, just as the council’s ruling executive was due to meet today to thrash out budget cuts for 2011-12.

He said: “I want to assure people that the fireshow will continue in its current form in Bitts Park. It is the major event that the city council puts on and has been acclaimed nationally.

“Some people have questioned why we’re staging it when times are hard.

“But it’s an event for our community and attracts visitors to Carlisle in large numbers. We’re also providing a safe environment for people to enjoy fireworks and a bonfire.”

It costs the council around £50,000 to stage the fireshow, although £14,000 is recovered in sponsorship, concessions and donations.

Roughly half the money goes on the bonfire and fireworks. The rest covers road closures, stewarding – more than 70 staff are involved – health and safety, a PA system, first aid, medical cover, licenses, plant hire, lighting, fencing, publicity, signage and toilets.

The council says the net cost is less than 45p for every resident of the city.

It also points to opinion surveys carried out on its behalf that show the fireshow is rated highly by the public.

Collections at the fireshow raise around £7,000 for the Mayor of Carlisle’s charity fund.

This year’s event will be on Saturday November 5th.