Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Cornwall at 29/10/2003 10:44

Cornwall County Fire Brigade’s hard hitting campaign in partnership with the DTI, local authorities (particularly Kerrier), education authorities and primary schools has worked, as firework accidents were down by a quarter last year, and injuries to teenagers fell even further. No firework related accidents were reported at Royal Cornwall Hospital.
Nationwide figures show that:

- the total number of people treated at hospital casualty
departments in the UK in 2002 was 1017, compared to 1362 in 2001.
- injuries in the street and public places fell by 33 per cent;
- injuries at family parties fell by 39 per cent;
- injuries at large public displays dropped by 37 per cent; and
- injuries in the "hotspot" UK regions of fell by 36 per cent.

Davinia Grist Public Relations Officer explains: “Our campaign focussed on injuries to teenagers with the slogan ‘get wise or get hurt’ The Brigade is pleased that the message seems to have reached the public but we cannot afford to become complacent.

She added: “Injuries are still happening and, until they stop, we will continue to campaign for even greater firework safety”

The Brigade is reminding the public to follow the Firework Code:
• Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114
• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
• Keep fireworks in a closed box
• Follow the instructions on each firework
• Light them at arm’s length, using a taper
• Stand well back
• Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off it could explode!
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
• Always supervise children around fireworks
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• Never give sparklers to a child under five.
• Keep pets indoors.

The Brigade does not want to discourage people from enjoying fireworks on or around November 5th, but advise that you should go to an organised display.

Anyone holding a Firework Display for the general public should make sure they have considered the following points:
• Plan ahead by sharing the load - running a display takes a lot of work.
• Contact the right people such as the Fire Brigade and Police
• Be prepared: store all fireworks securely
• Pick the right location: a large, clear and well mown area free from obstructions and well away from buildings, cables etc
• Safe car parking is essential
• Keep everything in control: crowd control is vital
• Experience counts: recruit people with previous knowledge of holding firework displays
• Plan the bonfire - they can be a hazard.
• After the event make sure you clear up safely