Fireworks Safety

To reduce the risk of personal injury, always follow the Fireworks Code when handling fireworks:

Fireworks Code

• Only buy fireworks marked with a CE mark – this shows the firework meets European safety standards
• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
• Keep fireworks in a closed box
• Follow the instructions on each firework
• Light fireworks 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 still 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 years old
• Keep pets indoors
• Don’t set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11.00 pm.

For those wishing to hold a private/garden fireworks display, an application for a licence must be submitted to the Department of Justice in advance of the display.

Garden fireworks should only be purchased from registered retailers, a list of which is available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/fireworks or by telephoning the Fireworks Helpline at 0300 200 7881.

Parents should ensure that products purchased at Halloween e.g. wigs, hats, masks, capes, etc. are CE marked and that children are kept away from naked flames when in Halloween costumes.

For further information about fireworks safety visit the NI Direct website or contact the Council’s Environmental Health Service by completing the online form below, enquire here.