Remember, remember, firework safety in November

Fireworks can be purchased from Thursday 29 October until close of business on Thursday 5 November.

Islanders preparing to hold a firework display, no matter how small, are reminded to declare their event and to follow the guidance in relation to safety and animal welfare.

Information on upcoming events is available on gov.gg/fireworks, but it may not be a complete list.

The designated day to hold firework events is 5 November, with Saturday 7 November if the weather is unsuitable on the 5th.

The States have asked that islanders keep displays to the designated day [or reserve day], and within the reasonable hours of 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Event hosts should complete the form found on gov.gg/events which will help inform neighbours and animal owners about potential noise.

There is an option to mark events as either private or public to encourage visitors.

If the date of an event changes, it is the host's responsibility to re-notify using the same form.

Let neighbours know what is being planning, and if there is livestock in nearby fields, let owners know the plans too and avoid setting off fireworks late at night.

Do not fire fireworks in public places such as parks and beaches, and ensure the Health & Safety Executive good practice guidance is followed.

Make sure to always read the manufacturer's instructions before purchasing and using fireworks and follow the Fireworks Code to save injuries and damage.

Ensure firework waste is disposed of responsibly - for guidance visit gov.gg/fireworks.

It is important to keep sensitive pets in a safe and secure environment that will ideally muffle the sounds.

However, animals must not be confined to small spaces as confinement heightens their anxiety.

For instance, keep dogs in the house, draw the curtains, turn up the television but let the dog wander from room to room as it wants.

In order to avoid injuring any wild animals, such as hedgehogs, which may utilise bonfires as a place for hibernation, do not start creating the bonfire until a day or two before the bonfire is due to be lit.

Alternatively, a wildlife-proof fence should be erected around the bonfire to dissuade wildlife from entering the bonfire prior to it being lit – this fence should be removed just prior to lighting the bonfire.