21 October 2011

Be careful and considerate with fireworks this year – that’s the message from Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service as 5 November approaches.

Firefighters and members of the community safety team are urging everyone to follow the bonfire night safety code, and appealing to young people in particular to be sensible with fireworks.

The organisation has updated the special online Firework Safety Zone area it launched last year at www.bucksfire.gov.uk (click here or on the picture above) so that people have easy access to literature that will help them stay safe during the firework season.

The main change for 2011 is that fireworks must now carry either a British Standard mark (BS 7114) or a European Conformity mark (CE).

Chris Bailey, head of the community safety team, said: “The safest bet is to go to a properly organised public display, but if you are making other arrangements then this information will help you do it by the book.”

He added: “At this time of year, we receive dozens of calls to bonfires from residents who are concerned that they are not being properly controlled and might spread.

“We have already been called out to a number of incidents which we believe involved people playing with fireworks.

“As well as exposing people to unnecessary risks, there is always a danger that these incidents will stretch our resources in the event of other emergencies such as house fires and car crashes.”

The firework code

Only buy fireworks carrying a BS 7114 or CE mark.

Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.

Keep fireworks in a closed box.

Follow the instructions on each firework.

Light at arm's length, using a taper.

Stand well back.

Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.

Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.

Always supervise children around fireworks.

Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.

Never give sparklers to a child under five.

Keep pets indoors.

Firework safety

Keep fireworks in a closed metal box and take them out one at a time.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on each firework. Read them by torchlight, and never a naked flame.

Light fireworks at arm’s length using a safety firework lighter or fuse wick.

Stand back after lighting.

Never go back to a firework once lit - it may go off in your face.

Keep a bucket of water handy. Used fireworks should be collected after the display with care. Douse with water, bury or place in a metal container.

Keep children under control.

Keep pets indoors.

Bonfire safety

Site well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs and always away from fireworks.

Build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse outwards or to one side.

Never use flammable liquids - paraffin or petrol - to light the fire.

Don’t burn foam-filled furniture, aerosols, tins of paint or bottles.

Keep everyone away from the fire - especially children, who must be supervised all the time.

For an emergency keep buckets of water or the garden hose or a fire extinguisher ready.

Pour water on the embers before leaving.