Fireworks are beautiful, but they can be dangerous if not handled properly. If you’re planning to impress your friends and neighbours with a pyrotechnic display, make sure they remember it for all the right reasons.
In 2023, the number of people visiting NHS Direct for advice on burns increased by 27% over bonfire weekend, that’s one every 21 seconds. And every year, hundreds of people end up in A&E as result of a firework injury. Check out our top tips to stay safe this bonfire night.
Check out our top tips to stay safe this bonfire night.
Pick ’n’ mix
There’s a huge variety of bangers and rockets to choose from, but make sure you buy what’s sensible for your garden.
Category 2 and 3 fireworks can be used in a private garden, but category 4 are only to be used by professionals.
Category 2, otherwise known as garden fireworks, have a minimum spectator distance of 8 metres. Category 3, also known as display fireworks, require a much bigger minimum spectator distance of 15 metres.
Remember, these are minimum requirements designed to keep everyone safe, so extend the spectator distance wherever possible.
Remember, each firework has its own set of hazards and they all have different instructions to account for this. Make sure you read the guidelines carefully. If a firework doesn’t go off, don’t be tempted to go and check what went wrong; it could still explode and cause serious injury.
Before buying fireworks, always check they have the British Standard Kitemark BS7114. Also, only ever buy them in full packs rather than individually or in packs where some have been taken out.
Store safely
It might sound obvious, but make sure your fireworks are kept away from children and animals, and stored in a cool, dry place in a closed box. Don’t keep them in the hallway, porch or under the stairs.
And please don’t put any fireworks in your pocket.
Pay attention to weather warnings
Rain on fireworks night isn’t ideal, but it’s not the end of the world.
You can waterproof fireworks with bin bags or cling film. As long as you keep the fuse dry, you’ll be fine. Just pack an umbrella for your spectators.
In fact, it’s a good idea to waterproof your fireworks even if rain isn’t forecast, because when it gets dark, dew can settle and dampen the fuse.
While rain isn’t a deal breaker, wind can be. You’ve got to seriously consider the strength of the wind and its direction.
If the wind’s blowing in the direction of the spectators, then you’ve got a serious problem. Don’t risk firework debris getting swept towards your friends and family.
You can tackle wind by moving your fireworks display further away, or by relocating the spectators to a safer spot. Be sure to also consider your safety.
Look at the forecast, assess the situation, and take all the necessary safety measures.
Protect your pets
Animals are a lot more sensitive to big flashes and loud bangs than we are. Have a plan of action to keep your pets as comfortable and calm as possible. You could also consider buying 'silent fireworks', which may be less stressful for your animals.
Check out our handy tips to keep your pets happy this bonfire night.
Quality not quantity
This is a tough one. On one hand, you want enough fireworks so people don’t get bored, but you also want big bangs instead of limp fizzes.
Quality generally trumps quantity, so it’s better to have 10 great fireworks that make people go ’oooh’ and ’ahhhh’, instead of 20 that leave everybody underwhelmed.
Keep it snappy
It’s good to drag your fireworks display out for as long as possible, right? Wrong.
Chances are, you’ve got bored kids in your midst. Chances are, it’s going to be pretty chilly. And chances are, your neighbours will start getting a bit miffed if your fireworks display goes on all night.
Why take half an hour to stretch out a display, when you can make more of an impact in 10 minutes?
What you mustn’t do is rush. Make sure it’s only you (or another sensible adult) that lets off the fireworks. Only light one at a time at arms-length, and with a firework lighter or fuse wick.
Keep kids close
Kids can be curious creatures. Make it clear where it’s safe for them to stand and be sure you keep a watchful eye over them throughout the entire display.
Never let kids light fireworks, and supervise them if you bring out sparklers. It’s a good idea to keep a bucket of water close by, where you can dispose used sparklers.
Be clothes conscious
It’s not just children’s dressing up clothes that can be a fire hazard. Scarves, tracksuits and long coats can also put people in unnecessary danger around candles and bonfires.
Although it’s unlikely that someone will catch alight, it’s always good to remember the 'stop, drop and roll' rule:
STOP don’t run
DROP to the ground, and
ROLL to put out the flame
Dispose of fireworks safely
Fully spent fireworks can be disposed along with your regular refuse, but the guidance is a little murky when it comes to dealing with misfired and partly spent fireworks.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents states that you should soak misfired or partly spent fireworks in a container of water and contact the manufacturer for advice on disposal.
Instructions supplied with the firework may also contain disposal advice.
Most importantly, never immediately return to a faulty firework. Give the firework as much time as possible, ideally overnight, to ensure it won’t spring back into life.
Check your cover limits
No matter how safe you make your back garden, accidents can happen.
Check your home insurance policy documents carefully before lighting any fireworks, and see what level of protection you have if your property or its contents are damaged by fire, explosion or smoke.
Remember, most insurance policies will typically have a “duty of care” clause, so in the event of a claim you may need to prove you took reasonable precautions. For example, that you set off the fireworks as far away as possible from your property.
