Stay safe this Bonfire Night
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are urging locals to enjoy a safe Bonfire Night by following some simple do’s and don’ts to reduce risks.
As fireworks are explosives and burn at such high temperatures, the utmost care is necessary in their storage, handling and use, whether you are organising a display for the family, friends or the general public.
Marc House, Community Safety Prevention Manager said: “While most people enjoy fireworks responsibly, in the wrong hands they can cause real misery. Remember that fireworks are explosives, and as such should be treated with respect and only used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the Firework Code.
“I would urge people to attend an organised public firework display in the interests of safety. With fireworks at home there's always uncertainty what can happen without any professionals on hand. Public displays minimise the risk of any injuries.”
If you are thinking of arranging or organising your own Bonfire Night party have a look at this important information before you make any plans.
Firework Safety Checklist
Preparation is key to enjoying fireworks safely, so:
• don’t buy fireworks from anywhere you’re not sure about, like a van or a temporary, unlicensed market stall
• only buy fireworks marked BS 7114 – this is the British Standard that all fireworks should meet (a reputable shop will know this)
• follow the instructions on each firework – read them in daylight or by torchlight, never by a naked flame
• make suitable supports and launchers if you’re setting off catherine wheels or rockets
On the night
Things you will need on the night. It’s easy to get a few household things together, these are:
• a closed metal box to store the fireworks – take them out one at a time
• a bucket of water – to cool sparklers and put out any small fires
• eye protection and gloves
• a bucket of earth to stick fireworks in
Follow these simple guidelines to stay safe:
• only one person should be responsible for letting off fireworks
• don’t drink alcohol if you are setting off fireworks
• light fireworks at arm’s length, using a taper
• make sure everyone stands well back
• never go back to a firework that has been lit – even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode
Sparklers
Sparklers are fun, but always:
• supervise children with sparklers and never give them to a child under five
• light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• put used sparklers hot end down into a bucket of sand or water
• other tips on the night
Finally, follow these other rules for a safe night
• keep pets indoors – most animals get very scared by the lights and noise from fireworks
• never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
• never throw spent fireworks on a bonfire
• take care around bonfires – all clothes, even those labelled ‘low flammability’
Bonfires
Bonfires present additional hazards when it’s dark. If you must light a bonfire, in connection with a fireworks display, then:
• site well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs AND ALWAYS AWAY FROM FIREWORKS
• before lighting the fire check that no pets or children are hiding inside it
• build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse outwards or to one side
• NEVER use flammable liquids – paraffin or petrol – to light the fire
• don’t burn foam-filled furniture, aerosols, and tins of paint or bottles
• keep everyone away from the fire – especially children, who must be supervised all the time
• for an emergency keep buckets of water, the garden hose or a fire extinguisher ready
• pour water on the embers before leaving
To request free Home Safety advice call free on: now 0800 0502999. For any other fire safety advice, contact the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue helpline on: 01392 872288 or visit www.dsfire.gov.uk
