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Firework Code

Accidents and injury caused by fireworks have fallen significantly in recent years.

In the last year that statistics were taken, almost 1000 people were injured in Britain during the period surrounding Bonfire Night. Of that figure, 475 injuries were sustained at family bonfires.

Take our tips and help make Bonfire Night go off with a bang that doesn't have a nasty aftershock.

The Department of Trade & Industry's Consumer Safety Unit issues the Firework Code and this should be adhered to at all times.

  • Firstly, all fireworks you buy should meet UK safety standards BS 7114. Check the box to make sure this code is displayed. Only buy from a shop you know.

  • ALWAYS keep the box CLOSED before use.

  • Follow the SPECIFIC instructions for each firework.

  • Light the firework at arms-length, using a TAPER.

  • NEVER light a firework with a naked flame. Stand well back.

  • NEVER go back to a firework once it has been lit.

  • NEVER put fireworks in a pocket

  • Never THROW fireworks

  • Always light sparklers ONE AT A TIME and wear gloves to hold them.
  • NEVER give sparklers to a child under five.

  • Pets get very frightened by fireworks. Always keep animals indoors.
  • Many places have organised fireworks displays and bonfires. If you go to one of these make sure your children are with you at all times.

  • Kids love to see spectacular displays and it's easy for them to get caught up in the excitement and run off. If they have a mobile phone, make sure they have it on them and text or call them immediately if you don't know where they are. If you don't know how to text, let your child explain. They'll love the chance to show an adult how it's done.

  • If you have teenagers try and persuade them that fireworks aren't cool. Disfigured faces and lost eyesight won't help them pull the girls/boys.

  • This year the safety emphasis is focusing on sparklers. Often thought to be the 'harmless' firework, nothing could be further from the truth. Sparklers are just as capable of causing serious burns as any other firework. That's why it's important that children under school age are NEVER given sparklers to play with.

Stick to the Firework Code and when you next have cause to remember remember the 5th of November it will be with happy thoughts.