Keep safe this fireworks weekend
Despite the advances in health and safety in the 400+ years since Guy Fawkes attempted a coup d’état in 1605, the tradition of setting off fireworks on the 5th of November continues to be a dangerous activity.
Fireworks night weekend remains a very busy time for emergency services all over the country, the period often coincides with the Hindu festival Diwali, a celebration also synonymous with fireworks displays, resulting in a dramatic increase in emergency callouts. NHS England 2020/2021 figures show that there were 116 hospital admissions of people injured by fireworks. 21 of these admissions involved children aged 14 or under.
What can you do to stay safe this bonfire night?
Most say the best way to celebrate is at public displays, as the fireworks will be safe and handled by qualified staff onsite. However, if you do decide to celebrate at home, it is important to ensure you do so safely. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) have produced some guidance to help you stay safe this weekend:
- Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and check the time you can legally set off fireworks
- In England, Scotland and Wales only buy fireworks which carry the UKCA marks. In the case of Northern Ireland look for the UKNI symbol. You may also see the UKNI mark along with the UKCA symbol. Keep your fireworks 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.
Combine this with advice from The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) to help stay safe this weekend:
- Only buy fireworks from licenced sellers
- Let fireworks off on traditional celebration dates and adhere to the fireworks curfew
- Follow the instructions outlined by the supplier
- Understand what fireworks you can use at home
- Be considerate to animals and keep pets safe when letting off fireworks
Have fun and stay safe!
