Minster FM News
10 Tips to help keep you safe on Bonfire Night
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Published at 1:55pm 25th October 2017. (Updated at 6:07pm 3rd November 2017)
Bonfire night is just around the corner and whether you and your family are enjoying a firework display, setting up your own display or even just using sparklers on the night we want to make sure you to have great and safe time.
We've put together our top 10 firework safety tips that will help make Bonfire Night a lot safer.
1. Always have an adult supervise firework activities.
A responsible adult needs to supervise all firework activities and keep the kids safe on bonfire night. So you need to make sure you keep the kids close by to ensure that the night is full of great and safe fun!
Only adults should handle fireworks on bonfire night and children must be supervised at all times. Nobody under the age of 18 is allowed to light fireworks but children can handle sparklers as long as they're using them safely and being supervised by a responsible adult.
2. Light fireworks safely.
Did you know that fireworks can reach to speed of 150mph? That's why it is essential that if you're lighting your own fireworks that you are safe.
Only adults should be handling fireworks on bonfire night. Make sure that when you're lighting fireworks you light them at arms length whilst standing well back and that you walk away when you have finished lighting them. Do not check on your firework after you have lit it as this is really dangerous. Just be patient and your firework will eventually begin!
3. Be extra careful with Sparklers.
Did you know that sparklers can reach up to 2,000°C? That's five times hotter than cooking oil!
When using sparklers make sure that you handle them with care and that children using sparklers are supervised by an adult. When using sparklers make sure you're wearing thick gloves and holding them away from your body and at arm's length and not running around with them. When you're finished using a sparkler make sure you have a bucket of water to put it in.
4. Do not treat fireworks like toys.
Fireworks are great fun and amazing to look at. But you need to be careful with them as if they are not handled properly it can be extremely dangerous and unsafe.
Make sure only adults are handling fireworks on bonfire night. Children should never play with fireworks, rockets and sparklers like they are toys as they are dangerous if not handled properly. Fooling around with fireworks is extremely dangerous so make sure only responsible adults are handling fireworks on the night.
5. Make sure you're outside and in a safe area.
If you're planning on having your own bonfire and firework display you need to make sure the area you're planning to do it in is big enough and safe.
All activities on bonfire night should be outside in a safe area. You need to make sure that fireworks are pointed away from homes and away from any flammable substances. You need to make sure that there is enough space for fireworks to land and for people to watch the fireworks at a safe distance.
6. Wear appropiate clothing.
It can get cold outside on Bonfire Night and you'll be standing outside for quite some time! So you need to make sure you are wrapped up warm and safely for the night.
On bonfire night you should tie back long hair and avoid wearing loose clothing. Wearing hats, gloves and scarves that are tucked in are essential on bonfire night as they will help you fight the cold and keep you safe. Make sure you avoid wearing anything that hangs off you or anything that can easily catch on fire.
7. Only buy safe and legal fireworks.
When buying fireworks you need to make sure they're safe and legal. Don't buy fireworks from non-trustworthy places as if you accidentally buy illegal fireworks you could be in serious danger!
If you're having your own firework display you need to make sure you're buying fireworks that are from a reputable shop and that they conform to British Standards. This means the safe fireworks you're buying should have BS 7114 written on the box. Make sure that you follow all the instructions on the box for the fireworks you have purchased to ensure that you set everything off safely on the night.
8. Don't forget to keep your pets safe too!
Bonfire night can be very frightening and stressful for your pets. So don't forget to keep your pets indoors on nights when firework displays are taking place to make sure they're safe too!
To help keep your pets calm make sure you close the windows and curtains and play music or put on the TV to help distract them from the noise. If you're still worried and want more advice on how to keep your pets safe you can also see your vet for more guidance.
9. Alcohol and Fireworks do not mix!
Alcohol should be avoided at all costs on bonfire night especially if you are handling and supervising firework activities.
You need to make sure that responsible adults are sober on the night to supervise activities and make sure it is a safe and enjoyable event. If any of your guests are drinking alcohol you need to make sure they are kept well away from the bonfire and firework display to ensure that they are safe on the night.
10. Make sure you check everything is safe before leaving.
After the firework and bonfire display has finished you need to make sure that everything is safe and will not cause any harm.
When the fireworks display has finished do not let children pick up any pieces of the fireworks. This is because some may still be ignited and can explode at any time! So make sure an adult picks up fireworks using tongs or gloves and soaks them in a bucket of water before throwing them away and make sure that a bonfire is fully extinguished before leaving.
These are just some of the ways you can keep safe this bonfire night. Don't forget to check out the firework code for more ways to stay safe.
To find out what Bonfire events are going on across North Yorkshire check out ourBig Bang Guide which is the ultimate guide to find out all about the local bonfire and firework displays!
We hope you have a great time on bonfire night and hope you stay safe too!
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