Fire Safety

As we move into a new season, Autumn brings not only changes in our weather and the days begin to shorten but also a wealth of events to celebrate. Halloween, Bonfire night and Diwali are all celebrated in the upcoming months and central to all these celebrations are fireworks, sparklers and candles. Beautiful to behold and exciting to use nevertheless these objects can be dangerous and life changing if mishandled.

Follow these top tips for a safer celebration:

• Only buy fireworks that carry the CE mark ( this means they meet strict safety standards).
• Never play or throw fireworks and definitely do not put fireworks in your pocket.
• Fireworks should not be handled by any person under the age of 18, and if sparklers are given to children they should be over 5 years and supervised at all times. Only ever have 1 sparkler in your hand.
• Follow the instructions and keep fireworks in a closed metal box (not cardboard) when not using them. Have a bucket of water nearby to put used sparklers in (hot end down). Keep naked flames (even lit cigarettes) away from fireworks. Paraffin and petrol should not be used.
• Stand well back and never go back to a lit firework (even if it hasn’t gone off it can still explode).
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix and may lead to injury!

Don’t Break the law! Did you know? It’s illegal to let fireworks off between 11pm and 7am, except on Bonfire Night (midnight),Diwali, New Year and Chinese New Year (1am) and it’s illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess fireworks in a public place.

Be Kind Be Smart

Be thoughtful about pets and neighbours. Many animals find fireworks scary and it’s not just the pets in our home. In addition, many more people will be at home alone this year and can find the celebrations confusing and a source of anxiety. So this year can we think about Celebrations without the risk!?

• Focus on the foodie delights of celebrations.
• Watch firework displays on the TV, switch off the lights and cuddle on the sofa.
• Make a woodland shelter in your garden for hedgehogs etc. instead of a bonfire.