We’re looking forward to this weekend’s Bonfire Night events. Ahead of the celebrations, we’ve put together some key safety advice from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service. Enjoy and stay safe!
There are plenty of organised displays in and around the Liverpool area this weekend – both the Liverpool Echo and The Guide Liverpool have full lists of what’s on offer.
Firework Safety
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service advise people to think twice about using fireworks at home. If you do use fireworks at home, they recommend you follow the Firework Code.
Do
- Only buy fireworks from retailers registered with Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service. Registered retailers should have their explosives licence on display or if not on display, available to show when requested
- Keep fireworks in a closed box
- Follow the instructions on each firework
- Light them at arm’s length, using a taper
- Stand well back once the firework is lit
- Always supervise children around fireworks
- Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
- Keep pets indoors
Remember, in an emergency always call 999
Don’t
- Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
- 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
- Never give sparklers to a child under five
- Don’t let fireworks off after 11pm
Bonfire safety tips
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service attended 218 deliberately started small fires over 2021s bonfire season.
To help keep you and others safe, follow Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service’s guidelines:
- Never give combustible materials to anyone, especially young people
- Make sure your wheelie bin is not accessible to others and ensure any flammable material is kept out of sight
- 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, pour water on the embers to stop it reigniting and ensure it is completely extinguished
Sparkler Safety
If you’re using sparklers this Bonfire Night, follow these safety tips from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service:
- Sparklers should never be given to children under the age of five
- Always wear gloves when handling sparklers
- Never hold a baby or child if you have a sparkler in your hand
- Put finished sparklers into a bucket of water as soon as they have burnt out as they can stay hot for a long time
- Always supervise children using sparklers
- Avoid dressing children in loose or flowing clothes – they may catch light
- Show children how to hold sparklers – away from their body and at arm’s length
- Teach children not to wave sparklers near anyone or run while holding them
For more safety tips, visit Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service’s student fire safety webpage