OR HOW TO ENSURE THEY DO!

With the rising costs of travel and eating out, I guess we will probably see many more private, home-held fireworks celebrations this year.

Not wishing to put a damper on a night which is thoroughly enjoyed by young and old equally, it is however worth remembering some of the rules we need to keep in mind when dealing with fire – whether this be fireworks or bonfires.

NHS statistics for 2020/2021 showed that there were 116 hospital admissions of people injured by fireworks in the UK, 21 of which involved children aged 14 or under. Fireworks injure more boys than girls and most injuries – usually to eyes, heads and hands, happen at private or family displays. These incidents impact our emergency services too – ambulance, hospitals and fire departments. On average, fireworks cause 127 fires each year in buildings and homes in the UK.

So, some advice from RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents)

Firework Code

Only adults should deal with setting up firework displays, the lighting of fireworks and the safe disposal of fireworks once they have been used (and remember, alcohol and fireworks don’t mix!). Children and young people should be supervised and watch and enjoy fireworks at a safe distance. Follow these top 10 tips for a safer fireworks party:

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

Sparkler Safety

Sparklers are often viewed as being harmless, but they burn at fierce temperatures, equivalent to a welding torch. Follow these top tips for sparkler safety:

• 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

Bonfire Safety

• 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 methylated spirits 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

…and a tip or two!

• Have one person in overall charge of the “firing” team!
• Set up your display in daylight and ensure you have enough timber for those static pieces which need to be nailed to stakes and use launcher tubes for rockets (not bottles or buckets or just stuck in the ground). Follow the instructions on how far away fireworks should be placed from each other. In fact, in general, follow the instructions on the labels carefully!
• Make sure you have a torch (and working batteries!!) so you can re-read instructions in the dark.
  Use tapers rather than matches or a lighter to light the fuses.
• For Sparklers, consider having some form of “holder” for the younger children to use – raw carrots are a great option here!
• Don’t forget to be aware of the impact of fire on both our and our neighbours’ pets!

Lastly, enjoy the evening and the thrill of seeing those marvellous colours and bursts of light. Isn’t it amazing how they never seem to lose their wow-factor no matter how often you have watched a display!