:: Think about it. If you’re planning your own bonfire, the best advice is the simplest… don’t do it! If you want to enjoy a fireworks display, go to a well-run, properly organised public event. It’s almost certainly going to be cheaper than a DIY display, if there’s a bonfire it will be bigger, the fireworks will definitely be louder and brighter and the whole thing is certainly safer.
:: Keep your distance. A properly run fireworks display will have clearly marked viewing areas a safe distance from the fireworks. Respect the barriers they are there for your own safety.
:: Don’t bring your own. Never take your own fireworks to a public display – they won’t be as good as the ones being laid on for you and you will almost certainly be asked to leave if you are found with your own fireworks.
:: See and be seen. Take a torch with you, there may be lots of fireworks but not all displays are like Bournemouth Fireworks where the funfair and main thoroughfares are level. It’s after dark and you could be on uneven ground. A torch will mean you can look where you’re going and others can see you coming.
:: Listen. The fireworks display should have a working public address system. Pay attention to all announcements, they could affect your safety.
:: Stay warm. November nights can be pretty chilly so wrap up well with hats, gloves, scarves, jumpers and coats. Wear thick socks to guard against the cold and wet ground and don’t forget your earmuffs.
Pets
Guy Fawkes Night can be a bit of trial for pets, so:
:: Take dogs for a good walk before the evening sets in.
:: Make sure your pet has everything they need for the night before you go out.
:: Close doors and windows, draw curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks.
:: Leave the TV or radio on to distract pets from any loud bangs outside.
:: If your pet hides under a table or in a corner, leave them – trying to get them out will only distress them further.
Fire Facts
:: Sparklers burn at temperatures five times that of cooking oil.
:: The intensity of heat generated buy three sparklers burning together is the same as a blowtorch used to bonding metal.
:: Fireworks can travel at speeds of up to 150mph – the same cruising speed as some biplanes.
:: Until 1959 it was illegal not to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night in the UK.
:: It is illegal to sell fireworks to under 18s.
:: It is against the law to set off a firework after 11pm except on Guy Fawkes Night (midnight), New Year, Chinese New Year and Diwali (1am).
:: Throwing a firework in a criminal offence subject to a fine of up to £5000.
Ouch!
The last detailed research for Guy Fawkes Night accident revealed:
990 people were treated for fireworks-related injuries in October and November
494 of those were children
479 people required hospital treatment
475 of those were hurt at family events or private parties
285 of the injuries were to the eyes
Well I never…
:: Dreaming about fireworks is thought to indicate enthusiasm and exhilaration. It may also mean you like to be the centre of attention.
:: The Japanese word for firework, ‘hanabi’, means ‘fire flower’.
:: The largest firework ever launched weighed 13kg and was fired in Portugal in 2010.
:: The largest Catherine Wheel is in Malta and has a diameter of 32.044m.
:: The largest firework display in history saw 77,282 launched on 10 November 2012 to mark the 50th anniversary of Kuwait’s constitution.
If you must do it yourself:
:: Only buy fireworks from a reputable shop and make sure they conform to British Standards. (They will have BS 7114 on the box.)
:: Tell your neighbours you are planning a bonfire party.
:: Build your bonfire well away from where you will be lighting your fireworks.
:: Never use petrol, paraffin or other flammable liquid on a bonfire.
:: Keep all fireworks in a closed metal box and use them one at a time.
:: Using a torch, carefully read and follow the instructions on each firework.
:: Wear eye protection, light fireworks at arm’s length with a taper and stand well clear.
:: All naked flames, including cigarettes, must be kept away from fireworks.
:: Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
:: Never put a firework in your pocket.
:: Always put used sparklers in a bucket of cold water.
:: Direct rockets into the sky and well away from anyone watching.
:: Make sure the bonfire is out at the end of the night and the surrounding area has been made safe before leaving.
