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.