South Shropshire Residents Urged to Stay Safe This Fireworks Season by Stuart Anderson MP
A survey has been launched to gather local views on the use of fireworks, as Stuart Anderson MP urges to residents to stay safe this fireworks season. Stuart has called for official guidance to be followed in purchasing, using, and disposing of fireworks safely. He has asked residents to follow safety tips produced by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) to help protect people and animals in Shropshire.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards, part of the Department for Business and Trade, is leading a fresh campaign to support fireworks safety. The OPSS has produced guidance on how to use fireworks responsibly and considerately. It is part of its wider remit to protect people and places from product-related harm, ensuring consumers and businesses can buy and sell products with confidence.
As a veteran himself, Stuart has said the loud noise, smell, and flashes associated with fireworks can be distressing for fellow veterans and can cause significant issues for those who are suffering from post traumatic stress disorder - a condition which is particularly prevalent among ex-service personnel. Almost a quarter of veterans say that fireworks triggered a negative experience for them, according to research published by Help for Heroes together with Combat Stress.
Charities have called for a review of the fireworks framework to consider how these concerns can be addressed. Stuart is asking residents in South Shropshire to complete his short survey so that he can advocate for changes that benefit the whole community.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
“While many people responsibly enjoy using fireworks on special occasions, many others find them distressing. Fellow veterans are also often affected by them, as are many animals in our rural community. Fireworks can also be dangerous and damage our countryside in South Shropshire. My short survey seeks feedback on what changes can be taken to better address these concerns. I would encourage everyone to have their voices heard in my survey - and to stay safe this fireworks season by following the official guidance made available by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).”
A number of animal welfare organisations provide advice and guidance to enable people to minimise the impacts of fireworks on animal welfare. This is freely available from animal charities, such as the Blue Cross which gives both general and species-specific advice on its website. The ‘Firework Heroes Code’, created by Help for Heroes, encourages the public to be mindful of the impact of fireworks on veterans and how to avoid causing unnecessary distress. It asks them to follow five steps:
- Be mindful – think about the impact fireworks can have on people (and animals) nearby
- Go to planned public fireworks displays - rather than set off fireworks at home
- Give neighbours advance warning – it can be as simple as a message on a local WhatsApp or Facebook group. If you are having fireworks at home this gives those near you the chance to create a coping strategy
- Go silent - consider using the new generation of ‘silent’ fireworks
- Give support - if you think someone has been affected by fireworks, make them as relaxed and as comfortable as possible and encourage them to reach out for professional help.
