Stay safe on bonfire night

firework display Fireworks are fun to watch but can be very dangerous. When not handled correctly they can injure people and animals. It is much safer to attend an organised display.

Buying fireworks

If you are an adult and want to buy your own fireworks, only do so from a licensed retailer that complies with British Standards 7114. Never buy illegal fireworks.

Only buy fireworks in full packs and make sure they are not damaged in anyway.

Read the instructions and manufacturers guidelines carefully before use and store fireworks safely, away from naked flames and water.

Fireworks can only be bought:

between 15 October and 10 November
between 26 December and 31 December
three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year

Tips from Trading Standards on buying fireworks.

Firework safety for home displays

Fireworks can be let off until 11pm except:

until midnight on Bonfire Night (5 November)
until 1am on New Year’s Eve (31 December 2012), Diwali (13 November 2012) and Chinese New Year (10 February 2013)

If you break the law and use fireworks in a way that causes a nuisance, you could face a fine of £80

Only one person should be in charge of fireworks and plan the display in advance, in the daylight, to make it is safe and enjoyable for everyone.

On the night, you will need:

A torch
A bucket or two of water
Eye protection and thick gloves
A bucket of soft earth to put fireworks in
Suitable supports and launchers if you’re setting off Catherine wheels or rockets.

Make sure you take all the necessary precautions and don’t drink any alcohol before handling fireworks.

Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back.
Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
Don't put fireworks in the pockets of clothing and never throw them.
Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.

Disposal of fireworks

Never put fireworks, even those which are fully spent, on a bonfire.

Put fully spent fireworks (but not misfired or partly spent fireworks) in refuse receptacles; don’t bury them in the ground.

Soak misfired or partly spent fireworks in a container of water in an area where they cannot be tampered with (preferably away from the display site) and contact the manufacturer or supplier for advice on correct disposal.

Spectator safety

We want spectators, especially children, to enjoy fireworks but they need to know that they can be dangerous when not handled correctly.

Keep spectators far enough away from where the fireworks are to be lit and where debris is likely to fall, making sure this area is not overcrowded.

Bonfires

One person should be responsible for the bonfire on the night.

Choose a site away from wooden fences, sheds and well away from where children will be playing.

Check the bonfire before lighting it, so that you are sure there is no wildlife sheltering in it.

Make sure children are supervised at all times.

Never pour petrol or other lighter fuels onto 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 wearing loose clothing and tie back long hair.

After the party, pour water on the fire, making sure it is completely extinguished and the surroundings are made safe before leaving the site.

Sparklers

Did you know that sparklers get five times hotter than cooking oil? Sparklers are not toys and should never be given to a child under the age of five.

Make sure everyone handling sparklers wears gloves and holds the sparklers at arms length while they are alight

Don’t wave sparklers close to other people and 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 to fully extinguish it.

Neighbours and Animal Welfare

Let your neighbours know if you are planning a fireworks party, they may have pets which need to be kept indoors. In rural areas this could include larger animals such as horses and donkeys in nearby stables.

In addition it would be courteous to let elderly neighbours and families with young children know there may be some loud bangs for a period of time.

Remember…fireworks can be fun but have consideration for others and stay safe!