Norfolk Fire: attend organised fireworks displays tonight if possible
Norfolk Fire and Rescue say these events are safer for everyone and you're guaranteed a better show
Norfolk Fire and Rescue are urging us to attend organised firework displays this bonfire night.
Terry Pinto, from the service told us that attending one of these events is safer and you're also guaranteed a better show:
"The safety element is then taken out of your hands, its professionally run and a risk assessment is done for you. There's also cordons in place, so generally people are a lot safer".
He went on to say that if we do choose to do our own fireworks night, we need to make sure that all pre-cautions are in place:
"Make sure that bonfires are a really safe distance away from shrubs and other buildings so they don't spread. Make sure that you've got a way of extinguishing and controlling the fire as well, that can be done by having a hosepipe to hand or have a few buckets of water close by. If there are any concerns that a bonfire could spread, as a last resort, don't be afraid to call 999".
Mr Pinto also told us that parents should make sure children are sensibly dressed and a safe distance:
"Keep them away from bonfires and fireworks when they are being lit. We also don't advise people to use sparklers, if you're going to use them make sure that you're only lighting one at a time and that once you've finished using them, you put them into a bucket of water to make sure they are extinguished. With young children if you're doing your own display, just be aware of the clothing that they wear".
He concluded by saying that we all need to make sure that we're considerate of others:
"If you've got cats or dogs, keep them in doors. If you've got small animals that live outside, provide them with a little bit of extra bedding or nesting, so they can burrow themselves away and feel a bit more secure".
"One key message is, if you're going to do your own bonfire please let you neighbours know. A lot of the times calls come in because neighbours are unaware of things that are happening next door".