
Bonfire Night Safety
Firework night is a great time to enjoy fireworks, sparklers and a bonfire party with family and friends. However it’s also a time of year where people can get serious injuries. Read our safety guide and make sure your family and friends are safe while having a good time.
Firework Facts-
- Fireworks can travel at a speed of 150mph, the same speed as some aeroplanes and supercars!!
- Three sparklers burning together will have the same heat as a blowtorch used to join metal.
- It is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18.
- Throwing a firework is a criminal offence and you can be fined up to £5000 for doing so.
- In recent years there has been up to 990 injuries caused by fireworks in October and November.
Firework Safety
- Only buy fireworks that carry the CE mark.
- Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back.
- Never return to a firework once it’s lit.
- Direct any rocket fireworks away from people and buildings.
- Make sure to read all the instructions provided with the fireworks and follow them correctly.
- Keep fireworks away from naked flames.
Sparkler Safety
- Never give a sparkler to a person under 5
- Always hold sparklers at arm’s length while they are being lit.
- Only hold one sparkler at a time.
- Do not wave sparklers close to other people.
- Do not hold a baby and hold a sparkler at the same time.
- Always hold a sparkler horizontally and away from your face.
- Always wear gloves when handling sparklers, to protect your hands.
- When the sparkler goes out, be sure to put it in a bucket of cold water.
Bonfire Safety
- Appoint one person in charge of the bonfire.
- Children should be supervised at all times.
- Never pour petrol or paraffin onto a bonfire- it’s safer to use fire lighters.
- Keep a bucket of water close by in case on an accident or emergency.
- Make sure to tie back long hair and not wear loose clothing.
- Choose a site away from wooden fences and sheds.