- According to the NHS, there were 4,436 incidents with fireworks last year that required an ambulance or a trip to A&E.
- According to the UK Fire Service, over the past five years more than 350 pre-school children, some only a year old, were treated in hospital for fireworks injuries.
- According to the government, around half of all firework injuries happen to children under the age of 16.
- According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, far fewer people are injured at public displays than at family or private parties.
And talking of 'sobering' statistics – best advice is that the person in charge of the bonfire and fireworks should not be drinking alcohol. If you have someone who is the ‘designated driver’ for taking people home, hand him or her the matches!
But don’t be put off by the statistics. It is possible to have a safe and fun bonfire party at home. Just follow these simple tips:
- Ensure that you actually have enough room in your garden to safely light fireworks. Not having enough room can increase the chance of injury to those attending and damage to your property.
- If you don’t have a suitable tree or post, avoid Catherine wheel or other types of fireworks that could damage your fence if that is where you were thinking of pinning them.
- Clearing up the garden can reduce the risk of something going wrong. Remove any furniture that isn’t required, clear away dry leaves and move anything that you or your guests may trip over in the dark.
- Let off fireworks as far away as possible from trees and bushes.
- Only purchase fireworks from a reputable shop. They should have CE and BS 7114 written on the box to prove they conform to British Standards. And talking of the box – make sure you keep your fireworks in a box with a lid on. A stray spark could be a disaster! Take the fireworks from the box one at a time rather than setting several up in advance.
- Keep buckets of water and/or a hose that is hooked up to a water source nearby. Hopefully you won’t need them, but prevention is better than cure.
- Pick where your spectators are going to stand and then measure out a ‘clearance distance’ of at least five metres – more if you are having some large fireworks. Most fireworks are sold with information about how big a space you need, so make sure you check this when you're buying them. Once you have worked out where people are going to stand, make sure they stay there. Set up a rope barrier if you can.
- The bonfire, if you are having one, also needs a clear space around it. Make sure that kids running around cannot trip and fall into the flames.
- Keep an eye on the children – little ones don’t appreciate the danger and may duck under the rope to take a closer look at the fireworks or fire.
But don't forget sparklers for the youngsters; these can create really magical moments. Make sure they wear gloves, though, and don’t run around with sparklers in their hands.
Not everyone enjoys fireworks – and pets can be distressed by noise – so talk to your neighbours to let them know what you’re planning. Think about inviting them to come along (they cannot really complain about the noise if they were there!).
It all sounds like a lot of hassle and ‘health and safety gone mad’, perhaps. But it is actually just common sense and, if you follow these tips, you can have a great, safe, party.
Enjoy!
