My safety: fireworks
OPSS is leading a fresh campaign to support fireworks safety, with content for use by local authorities, community groups and the public.
Applies to England and Wales
OPSS has produced safety guidance on how to use fireworks responsibly, protecting people and keeping animals away from harm.
Content is provided for use by local authorities, community groups and the public, including a video, poster, leaflet and social media materials.
We are keen for these to be shared on Facebook, X (previously Twitter) and Instagram and have provided a toolkit with suggested posts and #hashtags. The main #hashtag is #fireworksafety
New this year are assets with a focus on legal penalties for firework misuse and injury risk. These are aimed at a teenage audience.
Assets produced in 2025
Toolkit
Social media materials
Messages
- You sure about them fireworks tonight? / Chill mate, it’s just a laugh – Prison sentence / criminal record / amputated hand
- It’s illegal to buy or carry fireworks if you’re under 18 / Getting caught could lead to a criminal record – THINK: is it worth it?
- Aren’t fireworks kinda dangerous tho? / Lol nah it’s chill – Permanent scars / blindness / amputated hand
- Think using these is illegal bruv / Don’t stress it’s all good – A 5K fine / a prison sentence / a criminal record
- Firework may go on later for Diwali, but it’s still against the law to: buy or carry fireworks if you’re under 18, light fireworks in a street / a public place, cause injury or damage with fireworks – THINK: is it worth it?
- Halloween tomorrow…you still bringing them fireworks / Yeah mate, it’s going to be sick – A 5K fine / a prison sentence / a criminal record
- Mess with fireworks tonight and you could get an amputated hand and a criminal record / Don’t let fireworks turn your Halloween into a horror story / Keep it legal. Keep it safe. Follow the link in our bio – THINK: is it worth it?
- Heard you gotta be 18 to carry fireworks? / Chill bruv, it’s bonfire night – A 5K fine / a prison sentence / a criminal record
English
Assets produced in 2024
Video
Stay safe with fireworks – with English subtitles
Stay safe with fireworks – with Welsh subtitles
Poster
English
Welsh
Leaflet
English
Welsh
Messages on social media materials below
- Disposing of used fireworks? – Ensure they are out. Soak in water. Bag and bin.
- Read it before you light it – Always follow the safety instructions. This avoids injury to yourself and others.
- Using fireworks at home? – Let your neighbours know in advance. Some people find fireworks distressing.
- Fireworks aren’t for everyone – Keep pets indoors away from noise. Some animals find fireworks distressing.
- Planning to use fireworks? – Let your neighbours know in advance. Some animals find fireworks distressing.
- Planning to use fireworks – Let nearby farms and stables know in advance. Some animals find fireworks distressing.
- Using fireworks at home? – Let your neighbours know in advance. Some animals find fireworks distressing.
- Be a good neighbour – Use lower noise fireworks and consider going to a public display.
- Aged 18 and over? – You may buy fireworks for private use. Check you have enough garden space before you buy.
- Don’t get burnt when celebrating – Purchase fireworks from reputable retailers. Ensure packaging has the UKCA or CE mark.
- Storing fireworks at home? – Keep them locked away from children and animals. This ensures your loved ones stay safe.
Facebook materials
English
Welsh
X (previously Twitter) materials
English
Welsh
Instagram materials
English
Welsh
Updates to this page
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New resources published for use by local authorities, community groups and the public.
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Fresh campaign launched to support fireworks safety, with content for use by local authorities, community groups and the public, including a video, poster, leaflet and social media materials.
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The page has been updated with latest materials, dated 2021
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First published.