Firework Safety

So, it is the last weekend of Bonfire night celebrations. Whilst pets around the United Kingdom will be breathing a sigh of relief, children, parents and grandparents will once again be spending their weekends gazing up at the sky at a firework display.

The temperature has dropped, the hats and gloves are out, and maybe you have grabbed a few fireworks of your own to put on a show for your family this weekend?

Whether you are a novice to fireworks or a seasoned pro, it is always a good idea to brush up on your knowledge of firework safety. Unfortunately, more children than adults get hurt by fireworks. Over the last few years over 350 pre-school children, some only a year old, were treated in hospital for fireworks injuries.

Before you attempt your own display this weekend have a read of some Bonfire night safety advice from the UK Fire Service:

Keep kids safe: The Child Accident Prevention Trust have more details on keeping children safe over the bonfire period. Including a special,child friendly, Fireman Sam tutorial on Halloween, Bonfire night and general fire safety.

Sparkler safely: Sparklers get five times hotter than cooking oil! Read our previous blog on sparkler safety for information on how to keep your children safe when they are using sparklers.

Where to buy?: Don’t cut corners just to save a few pounds. Always buy fireworks from a reputable shop to make sure that they conform to British Standards. This means that they should have BS 7114 written on the box. Click the link for more information on British standard approved Fireworks.

What to buy: There are different categories of fireworks. Members of the public can buy and set off most of the fireworks that come under Categories 1 to 3. These are fireworks that include those that you can use indoors, in your garden or at a display. Always read the packet carefully and make sure that the fireworks you buy are suitable for the place where you are going to set them off.

Setting them off: Only one person should be in charge of fireworks. If that’s you, then make sure you take all the necessary precautions. Read the instructions in daylight and don’t drink any alcohol until they’ve all been discharged. Make your preparations in advance, and in daylight.

On the night, you will need:

• A torch
• A bucket or two of water
• Eye protection and gloves
• A bucket of soft earth to put fireworks in
• Suitable supports and launchers if you’re setting off Catharine wheels or rockets.

Enjoy the last weekend of firework displays!