Billingshurst Fire Station: Bonfire Night safety and some winter driving tips

Bonfire Night & Road Safety Advice

Make sure you buy fireworks from licensed in-store and online retailers. Do NOT buy fireworks from unknown retailers on social media sites. Remember it is illegal for people under 18 to buy fireworks.

Before letting off fireworks, read all the safety instructions on the box, so you know important things like how far away people need to stand. Our friends at Aurora Fireworks (see their ad in last month’s Village Tweet, page 47) will be able to give you all the advice needed if buying fireworks. There are also local displays for you to attend by trained technicians, whichever you decide to do, stay safe and enjoy.

It’s that time of the year again where the weather has changed which makes the roads more hazardous. Make sure your car is prepared for winter. Here are some tips: Make sure wipers and lights are in good working order. Check that tyres have plenty of tread depth. If unsure, visit a local garage to advise you. Try to keep plenty of fuel in the tank; you never know when you might get delayed. Don’t use water to defrost the windows –it can quickly re-freeze or, if hot water, it may crack the glass. Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive. Keep your mobile phone fully charged. In wet conditions maintain a greater distance between yourself and the vehicle in front (increase the two-second rule to four) and if icy leave an even greater gap. On colder days be particularly careful on tree-lined roads – the trees prevent the sun’s warmth from reaching the road, which may still be icy when all around has thawed. Twitter: @Station49Fire Facebook: Billingshurst Fire Station Dan Game, Billingshurst Fire Station

Image: Vintage Firework Code poster still valid today