Bonfire Night will soon be upon us and this year it will look very different for many of us as most organised professional firework displays have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent years there have been around 990 injuries caused by fireworks in October and November, 494 of those were children who were injured by sparklers or fireworks but only 121 if those injuries happened during public displays. I therefore fear that with more people celebrating Bonfire Night at home this year, it could lead to more firework related injuries.
Staying safe
Only adults should set up fireworks, light them and safely dispose of them once they have been used. It is also important to remember that alcohol and fireworks are not a good mix! Children and young people should also be supervised and everyone should make sure they watch fireworks from a safe distance.
The Firework Code by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) recommends you follow these top 10 tips for a safe Bonfire Night:
- Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and check the time you can legally set off fireworks
- Only buy fireworks which carry the CE mark, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time
- Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary
- Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back
- Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
- Never return to a firework once it has been lit
- Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them
- Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators
- Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire
- Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.
Remember, remember to stay safe and have fun this Bonfire Night!
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