Bonfire Night & Firework Safety Advice
Bonfire night is one of the most fun and spectacular nights of the year, but despite repeated safety warnings there are still numerous injuries. The best option is to attend an organised display but if you do hold your own event consider fire safety, the fireworks code and follow advice on planning a safe and enjoyable display.
Bonfire Safety
If you are having a bonfire, follow these simple guidelines:
- Build the bonfire away from sheds, fences, trees and cables or telephone wires
- Don’t use petrol or flammable liquids to light your bonfire
- Only burn dry timber
- Check immediately before lighting that there are no children or animals hiding in the bonfire
- Warn your neighbours beforehand
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby, in case of emergencies
- Don’t leave the bonfire unattended
- Keep children and pets away from the bonfire
- Don’t throw fireworks on the bonfire
- Don’t burn dangerous rubbish (aerosols, tyres, paint etc.)
- Once the bonfire has died down, put it out completely and spray with water to prevent reigniting
Firework Safety Code
Fireworks displays should be watched from a safe distance. If organising a display at home, ensure your fireworks are suitable for the size of your garden. Only adults should deal with the lighting of fireworks and they must be disposed of safely once they have been used.
- Only buy fireworks with the British Standard kitemark BS 7114
- Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
- Keep fireworks in a closed box
- Follow the instruction on each firework
- Light them at arm’s length, using a taper
- Stand well back
- Never go near a firework that has been lit (Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode)
- Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
- Always supervise children around fireworks
- Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
- Never give sparklers to children under five
- Keep pets indoors (animals do not like bonfires and fireworks and are often scared)
- Don’t set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11pm
Sparkler Safety
Sparklers are often seen as harmless, but a sparkler can reach up to 2,000°C in temperature and easily cause injury to a child.
- Never give sparklers to children under the age of five
- Always wear gloves with sparklers
- Hold the sparkler at arm’s length and ensure an adult lights it
- Never hold a baby in your arms when you are holding a sparkler – they can grab it
- Never wave a sparkler about near someone else
- When the sparkler has finished, put it into a bucket of cold water immediately
Be prepared
Make sure you have the following for your fireworks display:
- Metal box with lid for storing fireworks during your display
- Torch for checking instructions
- Bucket of water
- Taper for lighting fireworks
- Suitable supports or launches for catherine wheels or rockets
- Burns kit or first aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Safety clothing: protective goggles, gloves, hi-vis waistcoat or jacket
And finally….have a fun and fantastic night!