BE safe not sorry – that's the message that key organisations in the Island are promoting in the run up to this year's Bonfire Night.
With fireworks on sale from Monday, October 25, the Office of Fair Trading, Fire Service and the Police are working together to promote firework safety.
Children and young people under the age of 18 are being targeted – despite it being illegal for them to purchase fireworks.
Yearly figures reveal that half of injuries in the UK, caused by fireworks, are attributed to people in this age group.
Young people in the Island have fared better over the years but the agencies are determined that the Island should not be complacent.
The Police and Fire Service will be going into the schools to talk to targeted groups about the dangers of misusing fireworks and the Department of Education and Children is also promoting the safety messages through its youth clubs.
Bill Henderson MHK, Office of Fair Trading chairman, said: "The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has worked successfully with the Police and Fire Service for a number of years to ensure that problems with fireworks are kept to a minimum.
"I hope that this year's Fireworks Safety Campaign helps to ensure another safe Bonfire Night for all Island residents."
Mike Radcliffe, crime prevention officer for Isle of Man Constabulary, said "I am very pleased that the number of incidents over the 'fireworks week' has been diminishing during the past few years.
"In general fireworks seem to be being used sensibly and it is not the intention of the Police to prevent people enjoying themselves.
"It is important to remember though that it is an offence for anyone to set off a firework in public causing annoyance, distress or harassment to other persons or domestic animals so anyone letting off fireworks should do so with care and consideration."
Between October 29 and November 7 firework displays can be held without notifying the Department of Home Affairs.
Anyone planning a display outside of this period must notify the Department at least 21 days in advance of the display date.
The Firework Code
The key message to young people and parents is Be safe not sorry - Always follow the code. Carl Kinvig, station and fire prevention officer for the Fire Service, said: "Fireworks are explosives and burn at high temperatures, so they need careful handling and storage."
- Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
- Light fireworks at arm's length with a taper
- Stand well back and keep others back
- Never go back to a firework after it 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
- Store fireworks in a metal box - kept closed between use
- Keep pets indoors
- Never give sparklers to children under 5
