Why are vehicle checks important in the healthcare industry?
24 February 2026
We’ve come to the time of year when people like to set off fireworks. While these can be beautiful, firework safety needs to be considered. Failure to do so can lead to injury, property damage and, in the worst of cases, even loss of life.
Many elderly people get frightened by loud fireworks, and potential shouting that accompanies them.
In particular, fireworks can be especially traumatising for veterans, with nearly a quarter saying that they affect their wellbeing and may cause panic attacks.
If you know you have elderly neighbours, it may instead be better to choose quiet fireworks, such as sparklers or designated low-noise displays. Having that little bit of forethought can really ease things for a vulnerable older person.
Alternatively, you may want to consider ensuring they aren’t alone throughout this period, and have regular check-ins.
It isn’t just humans that need to be considered when using fireworks. You may want to think about the impact they can have on other creatures.
Pets can be very frightened by the loud noises from fireworks. This could result in incontinence, refusal to eat, and even behaviours that are out of character for them.
Giving your pet a place to hide, and allowing them to do so if they wish, could help to ease some of their nerves.
While you may think about your own animals, fireworks can impact on a larger scale. Before lighting a firework or bonfire, do those final checks to ensure no wild animals will be hurt. This can include moving logs to check for hedgehogs.
Both fireworks and sky lanterns can have devastating effects if they hit, or land on, an animal. It is much better to stick to static displays, such as sparklers or fountains, than those which could harm the wider landscape.
Very young children and babies, as well as those with developmental delays or disabilities, can also find fireworks to be quite traumatic.
Before setting any off, it can be prudent to be mindful of any neighbours who have recently welcomed a new addition to the family.
Be a kind neighbour by informing those who live around you of your plans to use fireworks, and when, to give them enough time to plan accordingly. You can also use these discussions prior to purchasing fireworks to cause as little impact as possible.
It is currently still legal to purchase fireworks for personal use within the UK, but many feel the regulations on this should be changed.
Ultimately, if you do want to include fireworks in your year, it can be much safer to attend a public display than to use them at home. These displays can contain a wide variety of displays, as well as food, music, and even events or funfair attractions. One of the main benefits is the level of health and safety precautions that go into the planning.
A quick online search will help you find displays near you. This can eliminate the stress, allow you to spend time with others, and reduce the impact on those living around you.
We encourage all of our clients to speak to Absolute for support during firework season. This can allow us to adjust visit times and provide support when you need it most. By being proactive, we can minimise disruptions or impacts. Something as simple as planning a visit half an hour earlier to ensure windows are shut and curtains drawn before dusk can make a big difference.
If you want to connect with an in-home care provider who takes the time to consider the impact of potential external factors, as well as those within your home, contact us today by clicking the button below.
Verity joined Absolute in February, 2025, as our HR & Recruitment Administrator.
With a background in HR, customer service, and marketing, she has taken the lead on crafting digital content.
Outside of work, Verity enjoys woodland walks, cooking, and video games.
