Bonfire night safety
Bonfire night can be great fun for all the family but it’s important that you celebrate safely.
In a recent year, there were 990 injuries caused by fireworks in October and November:
- 494 of those were children who were injures by sparklers or fireworks
- 479 people of all ages requiring hospital treatment after being injured by fireworks
- 121 of those injuries happened during public displays
- 475 occurred at family events or private parties
- Out of all the injuries, a total of 285 of them were eye injuries
When it comes to Firework safety, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Services recommend attending an organised public firework display. It's safer and better for the environment.
But if you do purchase fireworks, be safe and always follow the fireworks code:
- Only buy fireworks that are CE marked.
- Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
- Keep fireworks in a closed box.
- Follow the instructions on each firework.
- Light them at arms 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.
- Don’t set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11pm.
So whatever your Bonfire night plans… remember, remember to celebrate safely!