Fireworks are used throughout the year to help mark and celebrate an occasion, from weddings to Diwali, to New Years – and Casumo’s recent ‘spot the sparkler’ image got us thinking about the safety aspect of using fireworks any time of the year.
Staying safe is always a must when it comes to fireworks, therefore, we’ve put together a small guide on how to keep safe when using fireworks, for you and those around you.
What are the dangers of fireworks
If handled incorrectly, fireworks can cause burns and injury to the eyes in both children and adults. To protect your family and those around you, we advise you don’t use fireworks at home and instead head to a professionally orchestrated display – as they say, “leave it to the professionals”.
Although lighting fireworks in your garden isn’t illegal, you should always try to follow the safety guidelines illustrated by both the fireworks instructions, as well as the guidelines of the government and your local fire department.
Firework safety tips
Below are just a few tips to keep you and others safe if in an environment where fireworks will be or are being used.
- Never try to make your own fireworks!
- Only purchase fireworks that have a CE mark.
- Always have a hose and bucket of water nearby in case of any accidents.
- Wear eye protection when lighting fireworks.
- Wear suitable clothing when lighting fireworks – make sure all limbs ae covered.
- Do not hold fireworks in your hand or over any body part when lighting them.
- When lighting fireworks, light them at arm’s length using a taper and stand well back.
- If you’ve lit a firework, never go back to it to check on it.
- Never throw fireworks or put them in your pockets or clothing.
- When lighting sparklers, light them one at a time whilst wearing gloves.
- Make sure hair is tied up – this will protect anyone with a sparkler from setting their hair alight.
- Never give a sparkler to children under the age of five.
- Always place used sparklers in a bucket of water. Never throw them onto the ground.
- Keep all pets indoors, throughout the entire evening.
- Do not light fireworks in a public place – its illegal!
- Never throw or point fireworks at someone – not even for a joke!
- Fireworks cannot be sold or purchased to anyone under the age of 18.
- Remember to respect your neighbours – don’t let fireworks off late at night. Let your neighbours know that you’re planning to let fireworks off, especially if they’re elderly, suffering from a mental illness such as PTSD, or have pets.
- Do not set fireworks off between the hours of 11pm and 7am, except on certain occasions such as New Year’s Eve.
What to do in the event of injury
Eye injury
- Do not let the victim touch or rub their eye as this may cause more damage.
- Do not flush the eye out with water or try to put any ointment on the eye.
- Cut out the bottom of a paper cup and place it over the injured eye to protect it further whilst you seek medical help immediately.
Burns
- Remove all clothing from the burnt area.
- Call for medical assistance straight away – 999!
