Due to Covid restrictions, public firework displays are cancelled this year and you may feel pressure to hold your own display at home. For most this will be for the very first time.
Before committing to fireworks, the Child Accident Prevention Trust has put together suggestions of celebrations without risk. You can read their article here www.capt.org.uk/news/going-it-alone-this-fireworks-night
If you do choose to host your own fireworks display – REMEMBER – fireworks can be unpredictable. This is why we have compiled some essential firework safety advice from Yellow Door.
- More children than adults get hurt by fireworks. Each year, over half of all firework injuries are suffered by children. Supervise children at all times and have a marker, like a rope, for children to stand behind at a safe distance from the display.
- Sparklers are not toys – they get five times hotter than cooking oil. Never give a Sparkler to a child under five and make sure those handling sparklers are wearing gloves.
- If children are dressing up, make sure costumes have a CE mark and keep them away from flames, sparklers, and fireworks.
- ONLY buy fireworks from a reputable shop and make sure that they conform to British Standards. BS 7114 or EN 15947 will be visible on the box.
- Read the packet carefully and make sure the fireworks are suitable for where you intend to set them off. Fireworks are classified and sold under 4 categories. Category 2 fireworks are the safest for normal family back gardens.
- Store fireworks safety in a dry metal box.
- One person should be in charge of fireworks. Read the instructions and make your preparations in daylight. Don’t drink any alcohol until they’ve all been discharged.
- Uses tongs or gloves when clearing up spent fireworks to avoid burns.
To light a firework, hold it away from your face at arm’s length and light it with a taper or firework lighter. DON’T GO BACK TO A FIREWORK ONCE IT HAS BEEN LIT. Sometimes they can be very slow to get started and may take you by surprise.
On the night, you will need:
- A torch
- At least one bucket of water
- Eye protection and gloves
- A bucket of soft earth to place the fireworks in
- Suitable supports and launchers if you’re setting off catherine wheels or rockets.
Don’t attend any unofficial firework events or public bonfires. Thank you for reading and remain safe this Halloween and Bonfire Night.
Leave a Reply