Most of us love a firework display, and when they are run properly, they can be hugely enjoyable and very safe.
In 2021, there were 116 people injured by fireworks during Bonfire Night and Diwali, including 21 children under the age of 15. Following our simple guidance will help ensure you’re not in the numbers this year.
- The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at a large public display, you are much less likely to get hurt.
- If you do buy fireworks look for a CE or UKCA mark, and only buy from licenced retailers.
- Keep fireworks in a closed box, take them out one at a time, and close the box again each time.
- Always follow the instructions, never carry fireworks in your pocket, and never throw them.
- If the firework doesn’t go off, do not go back to it (or throw it on the bonfire), it’s safest to keep away from it and dispose of it carefully the next day when you can be sure it’s properly out.
- Make sure your pets are safe and let your neighbours know what’s going to happen in plenty of time, so they can take care of their pets.
- Be very careful with sparklers – make sure everyone wears suitable gloves, and don’t give them to kids under five (a sparkler gets 16 times hotter than your kettle).
- Be considerate about when you use them – it’s against the law to set them after 11 p.m. on most days and before seven in the morning. On Bonfire Night it’s OK until midnight. On New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year, and Diwali, it’s OK until one o’clock in the morning.
- The law also says that you must not set off fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or any other public place, so keep them in the garden. This also means that if you don’t have a private garden, you won’t be able to use fireworks.
- Please don’t light a bonfire, even in your own garden. The risk is very high, and even a small bonfire can cause a lot of damage.
Stay safe, be considerate, and be careful not to spoil the fun!
