Stay safe this bonfire night

We would always recommend going to an organised display where you can be sure of safety measures and help contribute to fundraising for the local area. If you are choosing to host your own display in your garden, here are some top tips to make sure everyone has fun and stays safe at the same time.

It has been reported that over 5,000 children are rushed to hospital every year for burns sustained over bonfire night. It isn’t just the kids that can become injured, so make sure to stay safe.

Make sure to store your fireworks safely – follow all the instructions on the box and keep them hidden until it is time to use them.

On the day, make sure to follow the safety instructions that come with your fireworks. The safest place to be is around 18 metres or 60 feet from a bonfire, so it is advisable to set up a parameter so you and your family will know where best to stand. You should set up well away from any buildings, trees, hedges, fences or sheds and be sure to tell your neighbours before setting any fireworks off. You should also be aware that you should not be letting off loud fireworks after 11pm.

When you are ready to light your fireworks, have a bucket of water at the ready and read the individual instructions carefully. Remember to always hold the fireworks at arm’s length and to light it with a taper or specialised lighter. Don’t go back to the firework once you’ve lit it, even if it takes some time to get going. If you’re in charge of lighting the fireworks, avoid any alcohol – you should be in control at all times.

When you’re finished, don’t throw spent fireworks into the bonfire. Clean up after yourselves and use gloves or tongs to collect any rubbish.

If you are planning to have sparklers, be aware that they can reach up to 2,000 degrees. Never give them to children under five and keep a close eye on any that do have one. Children should never hold one with their bare hand, run with a sparkler or wave one around. Spent sparklers are still very hot, so do not let anyone pick them back up!

While we’re on the subject of fireworks…

One of the biggest complaints about fireworks is the effect it has on our pets. If you have pets or know someone who does, here are some suggestions to make sure your pets are just as happy and safe as you are.

If you have pets that generally live indoors, make sure to keep them in on nights you know your neighbours are planning to have fireworks or the local organised displays are going on.

Once your pets are inside:

• Shut and secure doors and windows to stop them running outside

• Close blinds and curtains where possible

• Build them a den or cover any area they like to sleep with blankets so they have somewhere to hide.

• Try putting on the TV or music, anything that sounds familiar will be comforting.

• Don’t make a fuss or get angry with any strange behaviour, just act as you would normally.

Outdoor pets (rabbits, guinea pigs, etc)

If possible, move your pets inside, if not, then you can move their hutches or pens into a garage or shed.

If you can’t move them inside:

• Cover up their hutches/enclosed areas with a breathable blanket, this can help deaden the sound but also block out the light.

• Give them extra bedding so they have somewhere to hide.

You can also find a number of products that can help keep your pets calm and happy, you can speak to your vet if you have any concerns or want to know more.