Bonfire Night Safety

Parent carrying child as they watch a firework display

Bonfire Night Safety

Bonfire Night is an exciting event for many children and families. The vibrant displays make for a thrilling night, but safety should always be the top priority. Here’s a guide with top tips to help keep you and your family safe:

The firework code

Only buy fireworks that are CE marked.
Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
Keep fireworks in a closed 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.
Never let off fireworks after 11pm.

Dress appropriately 

Bonfire Night can be chilly, so ensure children are wrapped up warmly. 
If sparklers are involved, gloves are essential to help protect hands from burns. 

Sparkler safety tips

Sparklers are a Bonfire Night favourite, but they can be dangerous and can reach fierce temperatures. 

Never give sparklers to children under five.
Never hold a baby in your arms when you are holding a sparkler.
For older children, always supervise sparkler use. Set clear rules including holding sparklers at arm’s length using a taper, standing well away from others, and never waving them close to other people.
Light sparklers one at a time. 
Have a bucket of cold water on hand where used sparklers can be placed immediately after they burn out.

Bonfire safety tips

It is not recommended to have a bonfire in your garden. They can easily get out of hand and spread quickly to hedges, overhanging trees and garages, even to the house. If you do decide on having one, make sure you follow the advice below:

If you are having a bonfire, discuss it with your neighbours beforehand.
Site the bonfire well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs.
Ensure there is a suitable barrier around the bonfire to keep spectators at least five metres away. Children must be supervised at all times. 
Don’t burn aerosols, batteries, tyres, canisters or anything containing foam or paint - many produce toxic fumes and some containers may explode, causing injury.
Don’t use petrol, paraffin, diesel, white spirit or methylated spirit to light the bonfire.
Never leave the bonfire burning unattended 
Keep some buckets of water nearby in case of an emergency and to damp down after the event.

Keep pets secure

Pets can react unpredictably to fireworks, so if you have animals, make sure they’re kept safely and comfortably indoors, away from windows or doors where the noise and light of fireworks might disturb them.
Explain to children not to open doors or windows as this can put pets at risk of escaping after being startled by the noise or light. 

Consider the environment
After the fun, ensure that any waste is disposed of properly, and never leave used fireworks lying around, as they could still be dangerous.
If you’re at home, pour water over any remaining embers from the bonfire to ensure they’re completely out before heading inside.

Bonfire Night can be a memorable family event with the right safety precautions. By staying vigilant, educating children on firework and bonfire safety, and preparing for emergencies, you can enjoy a fun and safe celebration that everyone will remember fondly. Happy Bonfire Night!

Further safety information can be found via the links below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/stay-safe-this-fireworks-season

https://www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk/your-safety/safety-at-home/bonfire-night-safety/

Please note, the safety information and advice provided in this article has been extracted from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue service's website.