Residents urged to be responsible and respectful this bonfire night
Trading Standards Buckinghamshire and Surrey are urging people to think about themselves and also those around them ahead of bonfire night tonight (November 5)
As per usual with bonfire night, fireworks will be being heard throughout the country, either at organised events, or in various gardens.
Trading Standards Buckinghamshire and Surrey are urging people however to not only be responsible, but to also be respectful when using them.
Philip LeShirley, who is a senior trading standards officer, says that people should go to organised events if possible as they are the safest way to enjoy displays.
"By far the safest way of enjoying fireworks is at an organised display. It's being operated by professionals, everyone's a long way back, the children can still enjoy it.
But we recognise that not everyone is able to get to a professional display and that's fine."
LeShirley says that for those who are buying fireworks, there are certain things they should keep in mind.
"First of all, think about how much space you've got in your garden, because if your fireworks that you're looking to buy need 20 metres to be, you need to be 20 metres away. It's no good if you're having these at the end of your garden and your next door neighbour is right on them, OK, because they're not 20 metres away
But crucially, it's things like buying from reputable traders, things like the big supermarkets and stuff like that, and always looking for the UKCA or CE mark on fireworks.
Check things like the distances that you're going to need and also check things like, well, OK, how are these actually going to work and do I need additional measures? The firework code is very good for that, so just having an awareness of the fact that we're using products that can be very dangerous if if they go wrong, but we can still enjoy them."
LeShirley then offered what he describes as a 'top tip' for those planning on having displays at home.
"If we have young children a lot of us have these long windows going out to our our our gardens from the kitchens or wherever. If you put the children behind the window inside the house, they're never going to get injured by a firework if something goes wrong but they can still enjoy it."
Philip's final point was about being respectful to neighbours when using fireworks, especially in specific scenarios.
"Just a plea from us, please, is if you are having a display at home, please be respectful of your neighbours. Please think about them if they have pets or if they're elderly.
Please at least let them know that this is going to happen and engage with them and just be mindful of them."