Firework Safety Tips

With the UK experiencing a particularly cold snap this month, it can be difficult to remember the up sides to winter when your fingertips are numb. However, you need not not worry asthere are still plenty of things to look forward to, namely Christmas and, of course, New Year’s Eve.  

However, with such festivities often comes fireworks and with those fireworks comes potential hazards to health and safety. Although everyone wants to let their hair down as the year draws to a close, it’s important that we remain safe while doing so. With this in mind, in this article Cheshire Fire will be providing some handy firework safety tips.

Children

It’s a little known fact that over half of all firework-related injuries are suffered by children – this includes toddlers and babies. Over the past five years, over 350 pre-school children – some as young as one year old – were treated for firework injuries, so it’s vital that they remain safe. Here are some tips:

  • Firstly, the most important thing to do when experiencing a firework display with children is to supervise them at all times. If you can see them, then the chances are they are safe. Make sure you keep them well back from the fireworks and stress the importance of not running.
  • Be wary of what the children are wearing. Any loose or flowing clothes, especially flimsy dresses, should be avoided if possible, as they could quite easily catch fire if something were to go wrong.
  • If children are using sparklers, remember the following: give them gloves to protect their hands, don’t give sparklers to under-fives and teach them how to hold sparklers properly – at arm’s length, away from their body.
  • Finally, if your supervising children around fireworks, then it’s best to steer clear of alcohol to ensure you remain vigilant.

The fireworks themselves

When it comes to the firework display itself, there are some important things to keep in mind. Here are the key tips:

  • Plan your firework display properly. Adding structure to the proceedings will minimise the chance of things going wrong.
  • Only use fireworks one at a time, this will make the event much easier to control. Also, when the fireworks are not in use, keep them in a closed box away from children and guests.
  • Light the firework with a taper at arm’s length. Once you’ve done this, make sure that you stand well back with everyone else.
  • Never return to a lit firework. This is the most well known tip, but it’s surprising how many people ignore it.
  • Always direct fireworks away from spectators.

 

Cheshire Fire are one of the leading suppliers of fire safety equipment and training in Cheshire and the surrounding areas. Our experts can also help you reduce the risk of fires in your business or property by carrying out professional fire risk assessments, ensuring you are meeting your legal obligations. For more information on the products and services we provide, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.