Dear Mummy, despite annual safety warnings, Bonfire Night still ends in disaster for far too many families. It worries us alot especially as I’m a crazy impatient toddler that can’t sit still. My mummy worries that I might run in front of a firework being lit or burn myself with a sparkler.
However, fireworks and bonfire evenings can provide fun and entertainment for families at a time of year when the evenings are rather dark and gloomy. They literally light up the sky with bright colours and bring joy to a lot of children. As long as everyone follows the right safety procedures and remembers that fireworks can be dangerous if misused, a good, safe time may be enjoyed by everyone.
We’ve searched the internet and here is some advice for staying safe and enjoying the fireworks this year.
Purchase. Only buy fireworks that comply with the British Standard – BS7114. This number will be marked on the firework casing. Don’t be tempted to buy second-hand or off Facebay, as you don’t know how they have been handled or stored and there is no comeback! Don’t cut corners just to save a few quid. Always buy fireworks from a reputable shop to make sure that they conform to British Standards.
Space. Is your garden large enough? I know ours isn’t for anything bigger than roman candles. Some fireworks require minimum spectator safety distances of 25 metres (82 feet). Many domestic gardens are just not that large. If you want larger fireworks why not head to a professional display?
Prep. Preparation is key. Make sure you have water buckets and some towels or blankets nearby to extinguish flames. A torch to see and some eye protection and gloves. Use a bucket of soft earth to put disused or misfired fireworks into.
Animals. Many animals do not like bonfires or fireworks. The flames and noise upsets them. They should always be kept safely indoors. Make sure that they cannot get out through open windows and doors. It is best to keep the curtains closed too and it may be necessary to keep them indoors for several nights around November 5. My cat, Gizzy, hates Fireworks and usually hides under the sofa.
Always read the instructions. Remember that different types of fireworks require different handling. If the instructions require specific “launching surfaces” (e.g. soft soil to bury the firework base, or a flat surface to stand on) ensure you have suitable surfaces prepared beforehand. Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time.
Action. Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back. Have one adult responsible for lighting all the fireworks. My daddy will be taking on this job as my mummy is slightly scared at lighting fireworks. Only light one at a time, as some have fuse times as short as just 3 seconds – how far away can you get in just 3 seconds? Have an exit strategy. Always light at arm’s length using a slow burning fuse as supplied in all boxed selections. Use a torch to illuminate the launch site and to read the instructions. 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.
Sparklers. Did you know that sparklers get five times hotter than cooking oil? Sparklers are not toys and should never be given to a child under five. Keep children away from fireworks, and make them wear a glove to hold sparklers – preferably leather ones. (Sparklers cause the most injuries to young children of any fireworks). When the sparkler has finished, put it into a bucket of cold water straight away and leave it there.
Tidy. Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving. Do not throw failed fireworks onto a bonfire! Obvious I know, but when you are caught up in the moment you might not think.
We hope everyone has a very safe and enjoyable Fireworks weekend this year and look forward to seeing everyone’s pictures.
Love Bella x
Dear Mummy Blog 
Great advice. I would not trust myself to light fireworks. Public displays are also so much better than anything people would do themselves, I would never take risks and I hope my children don’t either when they grow up. #PoCoLo
Thanks for stopping by … We were shocked about how hot sparklers can get!!
Good advice. I absolutely loathe fireworks – so dangerous! Looking forward to the bangs and burns season being over.
Some great advice. I am always wary of fireworks as my friend got hit on the head at a firework display by a rocket! We are going to Chatsworth for their display this year, we can’t wait as it is always has good safety standards x
I absolutely love fireworks but at the same time hate them too as being too dangerous. you’ve given some great advice regarding it .. Thanks for sharing x
Never thought about fireworks at home because it seems so dangerous, but with your advise I might try this year 🙂
These are some great pieces of advice it is scary how many people do forget how dangerous fireworks can be 😦
I think I was the only kid growing up who hated sparklers! This time of year is so lovely but it can make people a bit lax when it comes to safety and you are so right, fireworks and sparklers aren’t toys! I actually just prefer to go to displays and let the experts take control! xx
I’m far to scared to even attempt to light fireworks so we’re doing sparklers then off to watch fireworks in the next town – the kids are so excited (possibly even more than me!) Thanks for the tip re the bucket of cold water – didn’t know that. Have a fab Bonfire night x #TheListLinky
I love fireworks night, but it’s definitely scary when people are stupid with them! This is a great post, definitely some excellent advice for a safe and fun Bonfire Night!
You have given a great advise in this article. Worth sharing and reading. Thanks a lot. Kids like fireworks but at the same time we need to very safe. Thanks for sharing.
This is fabulous advice as I often think people forget the dangers of fireworks xx
There has been a lot on safety during firework night this year, I personally would havet thought most of it was common sense. It’s awful that so many people are put in unnecessary danger at this time of year. We always go to a professional display for firework night.
So much advice within this post. I love firework displays but I hate that we seem to have them going on for weeks and weeks x
Great tips here, fireworks can be so dangerous. Personally I prefer the public displays anyway x
So much good advice in this post, people don’t even think about half of this! X
I hate seeing children with sparklers – they are so dangerous. Happily we are staying in keeping our deaf cat company tonight x
Agreed they are dangerous if kids are let loose with them. I had a sparkler today but was closely watched by my daddy (standing next to me) and we had a bucket ready to dispose. We’re not a fan of big bangs 😦
This is such important post. It can be such fun but so important to be safe too.
Great advice – although organised displays are great for older kids we prefer a nice quiet one in the garden
We enjoyed watching a professional display out of our bedroom windows tonight! Super lucky we have a playing field nearby 🙂
good advice. sparklers are fun but are dangerous at the same time. it’s great to have family time together
Great tips. I know way too many people who let fireworks off in gardens I am sure aren’t big enough for them x
Great advice! We are going to a firework display tonight, i will keep these in mind:)
for some reason I just didn’t think of the dangers of sparklers- probably because I see so many kids use them that I assume their made for kids. But I’m glad I didn’t buy any for my synths year and will wait until he’s old enough and sensible enough.
It’s always sad reading stories of how someone got hurt at bonfire lucky this time we didn’t hear anything. Cool tips
We went to a public fireworks display as they are much safer and loads of fun with the other things they have there too.
I love bonfire night but haven’t been to one for 2 years because of my little boy. I think he’s a bit young still.
I have to be honest, I just stick to organised displays these days, we went to one at my son’s school and it was lovely.
Great advice – I love fireworksa but would rather leave it to the proffessionals just to be safe x
Great advice. People are getting so dangerous when it comes to fireworks lately, it used to just be a fun night out watching a bonfire and a display. Hope you had a good one x
Some great advice and tips for families. Such an important time to be safe and keep our little one safe
This is great information and very helpful for families who have never looked into precautions. I totally am sharing this to friends too. We can never too careful nowadays.