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Fearless
Fearless Autumn
Stay safe this autumn.
Communities work best when we work together
That means we’ve all got a part to play – including you.
What should you remember?
- Some people find Bonfire Night (and the time around it) really frightening and upsetting. This can because of their life experiences or because they are autistic or have other sensory processing or neurological conditions.
- The emergency services like Scottish Fire & Rescue Service have a job to do – when someone causes that job to be harder by starting deliberate fires, making bad choices about fireworks or attacking them – it means that they might not be there to help people in an emergency like a house fire or road accident.
- Dogs and other animals are often absolutely terrified of fireworks and can be hurt by bonfires and other fires. This can lead to them having health emergencies or in some cases dying.
- You can still have a good time whilst respecting other people.
It’s about RESPECT, caring for others and remembering that your actions (however unintended) DO have consequences.
There are laws around fireworks and bonfires
Do you know them?
It is an offence to:
- Possess fireworks under the age of 18
- Sell fireworks to anyone under 18
- Buy or supply fireworks to anyone under 18 (apart from category F1 fireworks e.g. party poppers)
- Let off fireworks before 6pm and after 11pm (after midnight on Bonfire Night or after 1am on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year & Diwali)
- Throw or set off fireworks in a public place
- Cause unnecessary suffering to animals
Some areas in Scotland have been designated as 'Firework Control Zones' to restrict the use of fireworks.
In Firework Control Zones:
- It is against the law to set off fireworks anywhere at any time, including on private property, except for category 1 fireworks (sparklers, crackers, party poppers)
- Organised public firework displays are allowed, so people can enjoy fireworks safely
Your local authority will let you know if you live in or near a zone. You can also check your local authority website to learn more.
It is an offence to light a fire in a public place to endanger a person or property or cause fear or annoyance.
Autumn Positive Actions
Want to do more than just the minimum? Then here are some ideas for positive actions you can take to help your community to be a stronger, safer, happier place to be:
Report any big build-up of rubbish or fly-tipping to your local authority or community fire station. This will help ensure it can be removed and prevent fires.
Winter coat from last year too small or more Halloween sweets than you could eat? There are lots of charities who can put it to good use.
Find your local foodbank: Find a Food Bank - The Trussell Trust
Check in with elderly relatives or family who live alone and see if they’re doing ok. Halloween, Bonfire Night and just nights becoming darker, earlier can leave people feeling quite anxious and isolated.
Complete our online form or call 0800 555 111 to tell us what you know about crime 100% anonymously. Anonymous means your identity is completely unknown.
Working in partnership with The Scottish Government
Anonymity
Fearless is a service that allows you to pass on information about crime 100% anonymously. Anonymous means your identity is completely unknown.
Give information anonymously
Report a crime 100% anonymously by completing our online form or calling 0800 555 111
Youth support services
Access a selection of youth organisations who can offer further information, advice and support for whatever you're dealing with.
