Remember, remember the 5th of November… If you're celebrating on Bonfire Night, here's how to make sure you have a safe time.
Staying safe on Bonfire Night
Did you know that during the bonfire season, most firework injuries treated at emergency departments happen at informal private displays? And sadly over half of those requiring treatment are children. So it’s always safer to attend organised public firework displays. It’s also usually cheaper, and better for the environment too. You’ll be able to find a list of public displays on the Fire Safety Scotland website.
According to RoSPA, firework celebrations can end in painful injuries, for adults and children. So if you do decide to let off fireworks in your own garden, make sure you stay safe by following the Firework Code. You can find out more about firework safety at the Fire Safety Scotland website.
In this video, Consultant Plastic and Burn Surgeon David McGill talks about the importance of staying safe and minimise the risks when enjoying Bonfire Night.
Remember, it's illegal to set off fireworks before 6pm and after 11pm in the evening. This is extended to midnight on 5th November and 1am on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali. It’s also illegal to buy or give fireworks to anyone under the age of 18 and to use fireworks in the street or other public places..
For some people, fireworks can be distressing and frightening. So if you’re thinking of setting off fireworks in your garden, talk to your neighbours first to let them know, so it doesn’t come as a shock, and so they can keep their pets indoors. Remember, if you have pets, you should always keep them indoors on Bonfire Night. You can find out more about keeping pets safe on Bonfire Night on the SSPCA website.
If you’d like your children to learn more about firework safety, you can find videos, games and quizzes on the SSPCA website that you could look at together.
Using sparklers safely
Did you know that sparklers burn at 1,000-1,600°C? That’s 10 times the temperature of boiling water and 5 times hotter than cooking oil! So while sparklers may seem like a harmless way of bringing a bit of pop and fizz to Bonfire Night, they can be very dangerous. If you do decide to use sparklers, here’s how to stay safe:
- Never give a sparkler to a child under 5
- Always supervise children with sparklers
- Wear gloves when holding sparklers
- Light sparklers one at a time
- When they’re done, place used sparklers in a baking tray filled with water to cool before disposing of them.
