OPSS urges public to consider community impact of fireworks
UKPulse Consumer Desk
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has launched a campaign encouraging the public to consider the wider community when holding private firework displays.
- The 'Think Beyond your garden, Know your Impact' campaign aims to raise awareness of fireworks' effects on neighbours, pets, and other animals.
- OPSS advises choosing appropriate fireworks, informing neighbours, and considering those with early commitments the next day.
- A virtual toolkit with social media posts offering advice has been produced by OPSS for the 2026 firework season.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is urging the public to consider the wider community when hosting private firework displays. The new 'Think Beyond your garden, Know your Impact' campaign seeks to raise awareness of the effect fireworks can have on others, alongside safety advice.
The campaign encourages people to think about the impact on neighbours, pets, and other animals. Unexpected fireworks can be particularly difficult for individuals including veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), people with anxiety or dementia, and autistic people and children with sensory sensitivities.
OPSS advice includes choosing fireworks appropriate to the setting, informing neighbours beforehand, and considering those who may have work or school the following day. A virtual toolkit containing social media posts with helpful advice has been produced by OPSS for this firework season.
Why this matters: The campaign highlights the potential distress fireworks can cause to vulnerable individuals and animals, promoting greater community consideration.
What this means for you: If you are planning a firework display, you are encouraged to consider the impact on your neighbours and pets, and to inform those nearby in advance.