If you are intending to use CHINESE FLYING LANTERNS near the coast, before using them:
PLEASE ADVISE THE COASTGUARD

Please let us know, because every-time these lanterns are used near the coast we are inundated with 999 calls from members of the public who believe they are flares, and that somebody is in distress.
We investigate every report of flares seen by the public, and will task search teams, Lifeboats, Helicopters, and other resource’s to investigate if we suspect it is a flare and that somebody is in distress.
If we are made aware before these lanterns are used, then it saves a lot of time, effort and tax payer’s money being wasted, and we can concentrate our resources on real emergencies.
All Coastguard station numbers are in the phonebook. If  unsure which station to call, just ring the one you believe to be the nearest and if it is not the correct one, they will pass on the message to the correct Station.
Local numbers are     PORTLAND MRCC  01305 760439
BRIXHAM MRCC    01308 882704
You will need to let them know your location, expected time that they will be used, duration, & number of lanterns to be used together with a contact number.

If you do believe you have seen a distress signal (RED FLARE, ORANGE SMOKE ) then you must dial 999 ask for the Coastguard and report it immediately.

Please also consider other situations when letting off these lanterns that may affect our Emergency Service Fire Partners, that may also respond & have serious consequences from lamp failure, that could result in thatch fires, mooreland fires, and brush fires.