Yate Bonfire Night Safety

Bonfires and fireworks are a fun way of celebrating but every year many are taken to hospital after an accident. More accidents happen at home than anywhere else and children are most at risk.

 

Public displays are often safer – and more spectacular - than parties at home.

But, if you are planning a home display, follow the safety tips below to make sure

you have a safe celebration.

 

Choosing fireworks

 

Make sure the fireworks you buy are meant for home use, are suitable for the

size of your garden and are marked with British Standard number (BS 7114).

 

You will also need the following:

·  metal box with lid for storing fireworks during your display

·  torch for checking instructions

·  taper for lighting fireworks

·  bucket (for water)

·  bucket or other container of soft earth to stick fireworks in

·  board or other non-flammable, rigid surface for flat-bottomed fireworks

·  supports or launches for catherine wheels or rockets

 

Before the display

Make sure you have read the instructions on your fireworks and have all the

equipment you need ready.

If you are having a bonfire make sure it is well away from houses, trees,

hedges, fences, sheds. Build it carefully so that it is not likely to topple over

when lit. Use firelighters to get it going – never use petrol or paraffin even if it

seems slow to start. Always check for wildlife that may have made their home in the bonfire area before you light it.

 

During the display

Choose one person to be responsible for your fireworks. That person should

not drink any alcohol before or during the display. Supervise children and make sure they are standing well back from the fireworks. Light fireworks one at a time using a taper held at arm's length. Remind yourself of instructions using a torch and keep unused fireworks in a metal box with the lid closed. Never return to a lit firework

 

· Keep pets indoors and make sure all windows and doors are closed so they cannot get out.

· Do not smoke near unlit fireworks

· Never put fireworks in pockets

· Never run with fireworks

· Make sure you know what to do in an emergency – that you know basic first aid for cooling and protecting a burn and that you have emergency numbers to hand.

 

Safety with sparklers

Sparklers are not suitable for children under five – they cannot understand how to use them safely. Wear gloves when holding sparklers and keep them at arm's length away from the body. Children over five can safely hold sparklers but an adult should light them. Make sure children do not run with sparklers or wave them around near anyone else.

As soon as a sparkler is finished plunge it hot end down into a bucket of water. Never hold a baby or small child and a sparkler at the same time.