The best way to stay safe on bonfire night is to go to a properly organised fireworks display rather than holding your own party in the back garden. The displays are often free and some raise money for local charities and the fireworks are BETTER, the bonfires are BIGGER, and most importantly they are much SAFER.
Assistant Divisional Officer, Mark Eaglestone, said:
"Our best advice is for everyone to attend a properly organised firework display. But if people insist on having their own display it is important that they take all the necessary precautions and the first of these is buying the right fireworks.
"Fireworks should only be bought from fixed retail premises. Don't be tempted to buy from markets, boot sales and backs of vans, as they may be unsafe. All fireworks must have been tested to meet British Standards, and be marked BS 7114.
"Fireworks should be stored in a safe place, preferably a locked cabinet or display case. They should also be kept well away from other flammables.
"It is also important to stay safe with sparklers, they should never be given to a child under five years old, must always be held at arm's length and in a gloved hand. Once they have gone out put sparklers in bucket of water or sand. Sparklers burn five times hotter than cooking oil and must be treated with care."
Our firework safety advice:
- Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114.
- Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
- Keep fireworks in a closed non-flammable box.
- Follow the instructions on each firework.
- Light them at arm's length, using a taper.
- Stand well back.
- Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn't gone off, it could still explode.
- Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
- Always supervise children around fireworks.
- Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
- Never give sparklers to a child under five.
- Keep pets indoors.
- Don't set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11pm.
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