Heading out to watch the fireworks on Bonfire Night can be a lot of fun, especially if you’re going to one of the big public displays going on up and down the country. All you need to remember is to wrap up warm and join in with the chorus of ooos and aahhs.
But if you are planning on having your own private fireworks display, there's just a few things you must do to make sure you have a safe and fun evening.
But if you are planning on having your own private fireworks display, there’s just a few things you must do to make sure you have a safe and fun evening.
According to the NHS, an average of 1000 firework-related injuries take place every year in the UK. Most of these take place at family or private parties, which is why it’s often recommended that fireworks should really be enjoyed at properly organised public displays.
While it may seem like we are putting a bit of a damper on your evening, all it really takes to make sure your display goes off without a hitch is a little preparation and some simple safety precautions.
Be prepared
It sounds obvious but it’s worth mentioning that all your fireworks should be bought from a legitimate retailer. To ensure your fireworks are up to British standard, simply look for the code BS 7114 on each label. Finding it means that rocket, sparkler or Catherine wheel has been checked and is ready for use.
Once you’re happy with all your fireworks, and you’ve checked they are fine to use at home, make sure you find a wide open space with no leaves, twigs or ornaments around that might get in the way or even catch on fire. It’s also worth checking you can easily walk a safe distance away from your newly found launch area once the firework has been lit.
Tools of the trade
Before the festivities begin, make sure you have the following at hand.
A metal box with a lid – This is for storing fireworks in while your display is going on. Not only will the metal make sure any unlit fireworks stay that way, a locked box will also keep them out of little hands.
Eye protection – Make sure your eyes can stay covered up to avoid getting hit by any sparks that may be flying about.
Bucket of Water – Very useful for storing burnt up sparklers once you’re done with them. Remember sparklers can burn up to 6 times hotter than a pan of cooking oil, so it can take them a long time to cool down.
A rigid, non-flammable surface – A simple board will make sure any flat bottomed fireworks won’t unexpectedly fall over once lit.
Torch – A torch is essential on bonfire night. You need to make sure you can clearly read the instructions for every firework before you launch it, and that you’re able to check the ground as your lighting your firework to make sure it’s all still clear. To avoid any problems, throw in some brand new batteries before it gets dark.
Ready to go
Once you’ve got everything ready, your bonfire night can begin for real. When night falls remember to keep your captive audience as far away from the launch area as possible. To avoid confusion, only one person should ever really be put in charge of lighting the fireworks, and you’ll get a much better view if you’re further back anyway.
If you have any pets, make sure they’re not in the audience at all. Most animals can become very frightened by all the lights and bangs on bonfire night and are more likely to run and hide. The best thing to do is to keep them safe inside, preferably with the TV or radio on to help distract them from the noise outside. If they do end up hiding or curling up somewhere, definitely don’t try and coax or lift them out. Doing so may only cause them to become more frightened.
Light up the night
Once everyone is ready, you’re free to start your evening off with a bang. Make sure you kick off early enough to get through all the fireworks you have prepared. Unless your bonfire night is taking place on November 5th itself, setting off fireworks is illegal after 11pm. On November 5th they can go on for an extra hour until midnight, but careful planning should still be taken to make sure you’re never rushing at any point.
Finally never, ever go back to a lit firework. You’ve probably heard this thousands of times by now, but if a firework has been lit it could go off or explode at any moment. The best thing to do is to give it a wide birth and contact the fire department for information on how to dispose of it correctly.
Enjoy your night!
