Fireworks are safe if you use them properly. Figures show more children rather than adults get hurt by fireworks. Over the past few years over 350 pre-school children, some only a year old, were treated in hospital for fireworks injuries.

If you are planning on a fire work display at home we have some simple steps to follow to help keep everyone safe.

The public can buy and set off most of the fireworks that come under Categories 1 to 3. These are fireworks that include those that you can use indoors, in your garden or at a display.

Stay safe this bonfire night!

  • Build bonfires in a safe location, well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs AND ALWAYS AWAY FROM FIREWORKS

  •  Ensure that your bonfire is stable and remember to never light it with a flammable liquid.

  •  Keep everyone well back from open fires and ensure children are supervised at all times

  •  Have equipment in place to enable you to extinguish your bonfire in an emergency

  •  Always pour water on the embers before leaving the bonfire at the end of the bonfire party.

  •  Always keep your fireworks in a closed metal box and take them out one at a time.  And remember children should not have access to or be near fireworks.

  • Always follow the instructions when using fireworks and if it is dark always read them by torchlight and never by a naked flame.

  •  Always light fireworks at arm’s length with a taper.

  • Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.

  • Never go near a firework that has been lit – even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode.

  • Never throw a spent firework on a bonfire.

  •  Always hold sparklers at arm’s length and wear gloves when handling them. Once the sparklers are out make sure you put them in a bucket of water.

  •  Do not give sparklers to children under 5 years old and remember, never run with sparklers.

  • Keep pets indoors.

  • Always buy fireworks from a reputable shop to make sure that they conform to British Standards – BS 7114.