Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team are offering advice to residents about the safety of fireworks for private use over Christmas, New Year and other festivals.
The key Slough advice is to -
* Only buy fireworks from reputable Slough traders, never from car boot sales, door-to-door sellers or market stalls. It’s illegal to sell fireworks in public places such as these.
* Buy Slough fireworks at the latest opportunity so they are stored in your home for as short a period as possible.
* Store fireworks in their original packaging inside a substantial container that will help to protect them from sources of ignition and delay the spread of fire, such as a solid wooden or metal container or cabinet.
* If there is a possibility of children or animals having access to the fireworks, the storage container or cabinet should be securely locked.
* The fireworks must be kept away from any sources of heat or ignition and people smoking.
* Do not store fireworks with any other flammable materials, especially things like petrol, oil or paint.
* Fireworks must be kept dry.
* If you store large quantities of fireworks you must be registered with your Slough local authority.
* Be considerate of others. Remember, firework noise may cause a lot of distress to neighbours, especially the visually impaired and their guide dogs, the elderly, shift workers and those with young children.
* Try to attend an organised display, as they are safer and more spectacular than having a garden party – there will be many around Bonfire night.
* Make sure you buy fireworks that have a visual, rather than a noisy effect to reduce noise disturbance.
Buy fireworks that are suitable for the size of your garden. In most cases this will be a Category two firework only.
If you have any concerns about the illegal storage or sale of fireworks in your area, particularly to young people, give Slough trading standards a call on 01753 875255.
Slough Borough Council
