Bonfire Night Safety from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service encourage everyone to have a happy Bonfire Night, stay safe, have fun but attend an organised fireworks display so you remember, remember for all the right reasons.

SPARKLERS

Sparklers can get up to six times hotter than oil in your frying pan and you wouldn’t hand that to your children. Sparklers are a magical part of Bonfire Night but we don’t consider them as dangerous as fireworks. Enjoy them safely with these common sense precautions

• Always supervise children using sparklers
• Sparklers should notbe offered to the under 5’s
• Always wear gloves
• Show children how to hold sparklers at arm’s length, away from their body and anyone else.
• Try to light one sparkler at a time
• Watch out for loose clothing which is more likely to catch fire
• Remember sparklers stay hot after use, place in a bucket of sand or water when spent

Consider using a sparkler alternative such as glow sticks which are non-toxic and last up to 8 hours

STAY SAFELY DRESSED

Our children enjoy wearing their Halloween costumes, often whilst enjoying bonfires & fireworks. But remember the outfit they have on could easily catch fire from naked flames they may be near such as candles, fires, lighters and matches.

This is especially important with fancy dress costumes as many are currently not manufactured to the same safety standards as normal clothing. This can cause them to ignite almost instantly and burn far faster.

Please make sure children wearing Halloween costumes are kept well away from naked flames and other sources of heat at all times.

 

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service aim to reduce deliberately started fires, such as rubbish & bonfires, the greatest risks being uncontrolled fire spread and arson. The majority of accidents & incidents happen in homes & gardens across our County please help us to keep you safe. Remember one person’s bonfire can be another person’s 999 call….if you do decide to organise Bonfire Night at home, stop & think…use our guide below

 

Bonfire Safety Tips

 If you have a bonfire, follow these simple guidelines:

• Bonfires can only be held on private land with the owner’s permission
• Warn your neighbours beforehand – so they are aware and can make necessary preparations
• Only burn dry material, do not burn anything which is wet or damp, this causes more smoke
• Check there are no cables (telephone wires etc.) above the bonfire
• Build the bonfire well away from buildings, sheds, fences and trees
• Do not use petrol or paraffin to start the fire it can get out of control quickly

Once the bonfire is lit, make sure you:

• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby – in case of emergencies
• Do not leave the bonfire unattended
• Keep children and pets away from the bonfire
• Do not throw any fireworks into the fire
• Do not burn aerosols, tyres, canisters or anything containing foam or paint – this could produce toxic fumes and some containers may explode, causing injury
• Once the bonfire has died down, spray the embers with water to stop it reigniting and ensure it is completely extinguished

 

If you are buying & using fireworks, don’t forget you are handling explosives! Many of which can travel up to 150mph…so please think about the following:

• Only buy fireworks marked CE & BS 7114.
• Only buy from a reputable retailer.
• Make sure that any selection boxes are sealed when you buy them
• Check all fireworks are not damaged or damp.
• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
• Keep fireworks in a closed box.
• Follow the instructions on each firework carefully.
• Light them at arm’s length using a suitable taper.
• Stand well back.
• Never go back to a lit firework; it may go off in your face.
• Never put fireworks in your pocket.
• Never throw fireworks.
• Always supervise children around fireworks.
• Keep pets indoors.

Kristie Burdett
Community Safety Team Manager
Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service

October/November 2018