We want you to enjoy yourself this Bonfire Night, and that means staying safe and not ending up in Accident and Emergency! One easy way to enjoy fireworks is to follow the firework code:

• Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114.
• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
• Keep fireworks in a closed box.
• Follow the instructions on each firework.
• Light 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.

It’s also worthwhile looking at these facts you probably didn’t know about fireworks*:

1. The first fireworks were probably made in China, around 2,000 years ago.
2. Last year over 900 people required hospital treatment from accidents involving fireworks. 3. The word for firework in Japanese, 'hanabi', means 'fire-flower'.
4. At family back-garden displays, sparklers cause more injuries than air-bombs, bangers, rockets and roman candles combined.
5. Half of all firework accidents happen to children under the age of 16.
6. Three sparklers burning together generate the same heat as a blow-torch.
7. Hands and eyes are most at risk in firework accidents.
8. Throwing a firework in a street or public place is a criminal offence, with a maximum fine of £5000

*Information supplied by:-

www.fireworksafety.co.uk

Firework Safety Toolkit

The government has produced a firework safety toolkit, which provides information on firework safety advice and supporting materials. The firework safety website has also a number of resources for teachers. All the information is available to download at:

www.dti.gov.uk/fireworks

Bonfire Safety

The safest way to enjoy a bonfire is to attend an organised event. But if you are going to have a bonfire at home there are some tips that can make it safer.

• If a bonfire is to be set at home, a responsible adult must be in control
• Set the fire well away from property, overhanging trees, cables and combustible materials
• Wood for the fire should be kept away from it and only small quantities added at a time
• Do not burn rubbish such as aerosol cans, tins of paint or bottles - these are likely to explode and can cause severe injury to bystanders
• Don’t use petrol, paraffin or white spirit to light bonfires
• When the bonfire is over, douse the embers with water and check the surrounding area for signs of small fires which may have been started