The best ways to keep your children safe around fireworks on Bonfire Night

Luckily, we have so many firework displays in Plymouth this year.

But while Bonfire Night is a fun celebration that all the family can enjoy, it's easy to get carried away by the spectacular displays.

Therefore, it's important to remember to keep loved ones safe.

According to in a recent year there were 990 injuries caused by fireworks between October and November, with 494 of those being children.

475 out of the 990 injuries happened at family events and private parties - as opposed to public displays.

If you're planning to host your own display, here's what you need to know to stay safe.

Only buy fireworks that comply with British Standard 7114:1988 or its European equivalent but instructions should be in English.
Make sure to buy fireworks in full packs. Do not buy loose fireworks or packs that have had fireworks taken out of them.

Children under 5 should not hold a sparkler as they are considered too young to handle them safely. The Children's Accident Prevention Trust says they are too young to understand why they might be dangerous. They might seem like a favourite for a little ones but sparklers can reach a temperature of 2000ºC - 20 times the boiling point of water.
Don't hold babies when handling fireworks and sparklers because they can wriggle in your arms and reach out to touch it.
Use a marker for children to stand behind when they are watching displays to ensure they are at a safe distance.
Don't allow children to pick up pieces of fireworks after the event because some may still be lit and there is danger of them going off again or exploding.

Catherine Wheels

These should be nailed securely to timber uprights about 1.5 - 2 metres off the ground so that they can be seen by those watching at the back.

Tape the fuse to the timber upright so it can’t be blown about by the wind.

Make sure you read the instructions carefully on non-turning (statics) because they are nailed to timber differently.

Roman Candles

These need to be pushed into the ground for firing or tied to an upright stake and angled away from the audience.

They should be bound to the stake in at least two places.

The fuse is divided into two pieces, the delay which joins onto an instant fuse.

Ensure that the very end of the delay is lit - this gives about a five to eight-second delay until the firework goes off.

Do not remove the fuse cover until you need to.

Rockets

Rockets should be loaded into a firing frame or launching tube and angled away from spectators.

The size of the angle depends on the direction and strength of the wind.

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