As 2024 comes to a close and we begin to get ready for 2025, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is encouraging residents to celebrate safely during the New Year’s Eve festivities.
Andy Stockwell, Group Manager for RBFRS says: “It is important to keep you and your loved ones safe during the New Year celebrations. Always use fireworks responsibly, by following the instructions, keeping children and pets a safe distance away, and by keeping a garden hose or buckets of water nearby. Please do not attach New Years decorations to lights or heaters where they could become a fire risk.
“If you will be consuming alcohol, do not drive. Arrange to get a lift from a designated driver, book a taxi, or check the schedules for public transportation to ensure that you get home safely. We also advise you to be careful if walking by open water.”
Start the New Year safely by following our guidance.
Fireworks:
- Always follow the Firework Code.
- Only buy your fireworks from licensed retailers – look for a CE mark.
- Adhere to the fireworks curfew – do not set off fireworks after midnight.
- Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
- Follow the instructions exactly – read the safety instructions carefully before setting off the fireworks.
- Understand what fireworks you can use at home – Category F1, F2 and F3 fireworks are on sale to the public. A consumer firework will fall into either category F2 or F3 depending on how much of a safety distance it requires. Check you have enough space to safely use a firework before you buy it. Category information can be found on the label.
- Be considerate to animals when letting off fireworks – if you plan to let off any fireworks, let your neighbours know in advance so that they can care for pets.
- Stand well back and always supervise children.
- Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves – never give sparklers to children under five years old.
- Once the firework debris has cooled down, tidy it up and soak in water overnight before putting it in a rubbish bag in the bin.
Road Safety:
- Never drink and drive – if you are out drinking, remove the question of driving from the equation. It’s not worth the risk. Book a taxi, catch the bus or train, or get a lift from a designated driver.
- Be aware that there may be reduced public transport during New Year’s Eve – if you know you will be out drinking, plan ahead.
Decorations:
- Decorations can be made from highly flammable material, so be careful where you place them – do not attach them to lights or heaters.
- Check that your fairy lights carry the British Safety Standard kitemark sign.
Water Safety:
- Stay a safe distance away from the water edge – riverbanks can be slippery, especially after heavy rain or when the temperatures drop to freezing.
- Keep to well-lit paths where you can see more clearly and be careful of your footing.
- If you find yourself in trouble in the water, float to live. Do not panic, float on your back until the effects of cold water shock pass. When the cold water shock has passed, swim to the edge or call for help.
- If someone else falls into the water, do not enter the water, call 999 straight away, and ask to speak to the fire service and ambulance. If there are lifebelts or throw bags where you are, use them – make sure you hold the end of the rope securely so you can pull them in. For your own safety, ensure you reduce the risk of being pulled into the water by laying down on the floor and have an additional person holding you when carrying out the rescue.
For more safety advice, please see our Your Safety webpage.