Bonfire Night is an exciting evening, with spectacular fireworks, parties, pie and peas and plenty of toffee.
But with so many exposed flames around when celebrating Bonfire Night, it is also very important to keep yourself, family and friends safe. Take care around bonfires, fireworks and sparklers.
Fire extinguishers are advisable to have on hand when risk of fire is involved, but if you do not have one at your home, ensure you have a bucket of water nearby to extinguish sparklers and for safety in case fireworks or the bonfire get out of hand.
Water is a suitable extinguisher alternative for small, home bonfires and displays – if you are planning a larger display ensure you have the correct fire safety provisions in place.
Fireworks can travel at speeds of up to 150 mph and are estimated to cause almost 1000 injuries per year, most of which involve fingers and eyes.
Brush up on your firework safety knowledge with our quick lists below.
Firework safety checklist – what should you have before you begin?
– Metal box with lid for storing fireworks during your display.
– Torch for checking instructions.
– Taper for lighting fireworks.
– Bucket of water for emergencies.
– Bucket or other container of soft earth to place spent fireworks in.
– Rigid, flat, non-flammable surface for flat bottomed fireworks.
– Supports or launches for Catherine wheels or rockets.
Did you know it is illegal to light fireworks after 11:00pm?
General Bonfire night safety tips
– Be in an open area away from buildings and trees.
– Ensure you have strong footwear and gloves on.
– Keep pets indoors to protect them from the loud noises and risk of running off.
– Make sure your fireworks are legal and safe, marked with safety standard approval.
– Read the instructions and only light one firework at a time.
– Stand well back, do not return to a firework after it has been lit.
– Never throw fireworks.
– Always supervise children with sparklers.
– Light sparklers one at a time.
– Never touch the end of a sparkler, even long after it has gone out.
– Check bonfires are at a safe distance and never light using paraffin or petrol.
– Make sure the fire is out and the surroundings have been made safe at the end of the night.