1. Store your fireworks safely 
In a closed box, somewhere cool and dry, out of reach of children and animals, until the time they're needed. Locked away is best. Don't keep the box under the stairs or in a passageway. 

2. Think ahead and be prepared 
Before you start, make sure you'll be giving yourself enough room in a safe place to get to and from your box of fireworks while the display's going on. Have a full bucket of water handy for any emergency, and for putting used sparklers into. If you have the chance to get together with some other families, try to go to the home with the biggest garden and safest surroundings. 

3. Things you definitely don't do! 
Never try to re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks. Never give ANY firework item to small children. Never throw fireworks at another person. Never carry fireworks in your pocket. Never shoot fireworks from metal or glass containers. Never experiment, modify, or attempt to make your own fireworks. 

4. Watch what you wear 
Loose clothing can very easily catch fire, and should not be worn near any fire or fireworks. Long dangly scarves can be risky too. If anyone's clothing does catch fire, follow the rule: 
STOP DON'T RUN 
DROP TO THE GROUND 
ROLL TO PUT OUT THE FLAMES 

5. One firework at a time please 
You (or another adult that you choose) must be the only person letting off fireworks (always wear a pair of safety glasses or goggles). Don't allow anyone else to let off the fireworks, especially children. Let the fireworks off one at a time (not lots at once) and don't rush. Light the tip of each firework at arm's length, using a fireworks lighter or fuse wick. Stand well back immediately. If one doesn't go off, don't go back to it - it could still be live, and could go off unexpectedly in your face. Right at the end of your fireworks night, douse the 'dud' with lots of water, keep it soaking in a bucket of water and if you are in any doubt about the 'dud' firework ask your local Fire Department for advice as soon as possible. Never throw fireworks onto a bonfire!!

6. Different fireworks mean different hazards 
Read the instructions on each one carefully (by flashlight, never a open flame) and follow them properly. Rockets, for instance, should be launched from a rocket launcher, not from a bottle. Sparklers need careful handling - light them one at a time at arm's length; don't give one to any child under 5; make sure that anyone holding a sparkler wears gloves; and put each spent one into a bucket of water as soon as it's gone out. 

7. No fooling 
Putting fireworks in your pocket is stupid and dangerous. Throwing fireworks at people is stupid and dangerous and illegal; it's a criminal offence to do so. 

8. Fireworks and booze don't mix 
Drinking alcohol presents an added danger when there are fireworks and bonfires around. So don't drink alcohol during your fireworks display. 

9. Watch that child 
Keep children well away from fireworks, and never let a child handle or light one. Even sparklers can be dangerous if unsupervised! Do not give sparklers to an unsupervised child. Make sure that children are aware of the dangers.

10. If an accident does occur 
Stay calm and phone the emergency service that you require - Remember that the emergency services need you to assist them by telling them all the relevant information that they require, this will also enable them to get to the scene of the incident promptly - How to make a 999 call

11. Pets hate bangs and flashes 
Pets get very frightened on fireworks night, so keep all your pets indoors and close all the curtains to make things calmer. Remember it's not just your own fireworks that cause distress, so you may have to have your pets indoors on several nights when other displays are taking place. 

If you would like any further advice email Carl - carl.kinvig@fire.dha.gov.im

Or telephone the Fire Safety Department - 01624 647303

Now please spend a few minutes looking at our Fire Safety pages!