Be safe on Bonfire Night

November 3, 2011 blissbubbley Random Waffle, Useful Waffle 0

Bonfire Night is one of my favourite nights of the year, I love all the oooh’s and aaah’s as fireworks explode open into the sky. The pretty patterns, the colours, the jacket potatoes and toffee apples 😉

Bonfire Night is one of my countdowns to Christmas. Yes I know this is the second time I’ve mentioned Christmas to you in the past week. As well as being one of my favourite nights it is one that so often people are not safe or responsible with fireworks;

  1. Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and ensure it finishes before 11pm
  2. Only buy fireworks which carry the CE mark, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time
  3. Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary
  4. Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back
  5. Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
  6. Never return to a firework once it has been lit
  7. Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them
  8. Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators
  9. Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire
  10. Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.

Did you know?

  • It is against the law to carry fireworks in public if you’re under 18
  • Fireworks must not be sold to anyone who is under 18
  • It is an offence to let fireworks off during night hours (11pm to 7am), except on Bonfire Night (midnight), Diwali, New Year’s Eve, and Chinese New Year (1am)
  • It is an offence under the Explosives Act 1875 to tamper with or modify fireworks

Sparklers can be beautiful and enjoyable for young children but adults must be aware of their potential. Sparklers are the cause of a large number of injuries but only a few simple precautions are necessary;

  • It is recommended that sparklers are not given to under-5s
  • Make sure everyone handling sparklers wears gloves
  • Hold sparklers at arm’s length while being lit and light them one at a time
  • Don’t wave sparklers about close to other people
  • Never hold a baby in your arms while you are holding a sparkler
  • When the sparkler has finished put it in a bucket of cold water.

With bonfires you also need to be careful;

  • One person should be responsible for the bonfire and children should be supervised
  • Choose a site away from wooden fences, sheds and where children will be playing
  • Never pour petrol, paraffin or meths on to a fire – it’s safer to use fire lighters to prevent flare-ups
  • Keep a bucket of water handy in case of an accident
  • Avoid loose clothing and tie back long hair
  • After the party, pour water on the fire, rather than leaving it to burn out.

For parents this Firework Code with Welephant is a handy guide for them to look at and stay safe too http://www.welephant.co.uk/Bonfirestory020.htm

This is nothing difficult and here at DW Towers we want everyone to have a safe Bonfire Night. Wherever you are whether at home or at a managed event. Stay safe!