SAFE FIREWORKS AT HOME – THE GUIDELINES

Fireworks have been a part of the Bonfire Night celebrations in the UK for a very very long time and have been available through retail outlets since the latter part of the 19^th century via the likes of Standard and Brocks fireworks.

So, for over 120 years, we have enjoyed beautiful fireworks at home. The rules and regulations have become more and more stringent and every effort is made to ensure that the law is adhered to.

Here at Epic, we are licensed to sell fireworks all year round and have done so for over 35 years. With Bonfire Night on the approach, now is the time that thoughts turn to Bonfire Night.

This year, with much fewer professional displays taking place, more localised Covid lockdowns and the inability to mix with others, more will be purchasing fireworks for use in their own gardens, large or small.

Specialist firework shops have experts on hand to advise on what will be the best for the space you have available.

Some want quieter fireworks – however, ALL fireworks have some sound involved, whether that’s the whoosh of rocket launch or the fizz of the familiar and much-loved fountain so please bear this in mind.

Garden fireworks are ideal for those with smaller gardens but you should still allow 8m+ between the firing site and the spectators. However, if you can achieve over 25 metres, there is a more choice available.

You might want to consider using only garden fireworks if:

• You cannot offer a 25-metre safety distance from the pyrotechnics to your spectators
• You cannot achieve the relevant fall out area for any debris which may come from your display
• You have a really young audience (babies and very young can be startled by loud noises)
• You have never lit fireworks before, you might be better starting with the lower powered garden fireworks

Protect yourself and your spectators

• Make sure you follow the firework code
• Do not allow children anywhere near fireworks. Even sparklers are only suitable for over 5’s with close adult supervision. We recommend inserting a sparkler into a carrot before lighting to make them easier to hold and to use
• Check which way up the fireworks need to be – the instructions and arrows are there for a reason and READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY well ahead of the event to familiarise yourself with the instructions/timings and of course to check if any are fanned – these will need extra space both ways and of course, need to be facing the right way to see the fan or they could end up pointing towards the crowd
• Do not leave fireworks open/unattended at any time
• Keep children away from fireworks
• Don’t be a show-off – fireworks are not toys – it’s not big and it’s not clever!!
• Have a bucket of water and a first aid kit handy
• Dispose of used fireworks carefully
• Do not use fireworks which require more space than you have – this is stupid and highly dangerous
• Be mindful of neighbours and pets – let your neighbours know if you are holding a display in the garden so they can take the necessary steps to protect their pets
• Have a torch, eye protection (offered free with all our display packs) and use safety lighters or portfires where possible

We hold in stock a HUGE range of fireworks for gardens of 8m and 25m as well as a selection of quieter fireworks.

• You cannot buy fireworks under 18 years of age
• It is illegal to set off fireworks in the street
• You are not allowed to set off fireworks after 11pm unless it is a special event like Bonfire night (midnight) New Years Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali (1am) However, we would like to remind you to be kind and try to get the fireworks over at a reasonable hour
• You can be fined on the spot for using fireworks illegally

Check out the epic website for all the products in our range and then you can drill down into quieter/loud etc.

Whilst some garden fireworks are very quiet, some most certainly are not and are HUGE so bear this in mind when choosing. 

If you need more information about protecting your pets, please click here for more information.

If you need any assistance either instore or online, please just get in touch or ask a member of staff and we are only too happy to help.

Happy Bonfire Night everyone!

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A post shared by Epic Fireworks (@epicfireworks) on Oct 11, 2020 at 5:45am PDT