Halloween and Bonfire Night can be plenty of fun for all of the family to enjoy, but with lots of potential hazards, it’s really important to keep the user and their family safe.
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging people to enjoy the autumn festivities safely by following some simple safety advice.
Organized fireworks display
Group Commander Paul Clarke, the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Community Fire Safety, said: “We wish everyone a happy time this Halloween and Bonfire Night, and being safe while enjoying yourself should always be a priority. Crews are often called to incidents involving bonfires, fireworks, and candles that become out of control that can be easily avoided.”
Simple things like attending an organized fireworks display can make a big difference"
He adds, “Simple things like attending an organized fireworks display can make a big difference. A map with details of displays around the county is available on our website to help find the closest one to you. However, we are aware that people like to host their own displays in their gardens for example."
Paul Clarke continues, "We would urge these people to follow our simple firework and bonfire safety tips to help ensure they are staying safe. Finally, making sure children are kept away from flames when wearing Halloween costumes is very important. Using lights rather than candles in a pumpkin helps reduce the risk and keeps children safe.”
Firework safety tips
Listed below are their top bonfire and firework safety tips.
Bonfire safety tips:
- Build the bonfire well clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences, and hedges.
- Never use flammable liquids to start a bonfire, and never burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture, or batteries.
- Don’t leave bonfires unattended. An adult should supervise it until it has burnt out. If it has to be left, damp it down with plenty of water.
- Always keep a bucket of water or a hosepipe nearby in case of fire.
- Check the weather - avoid lighting bonfires in high winds.
Firework safety tips:
- Only buy fireworks marked with the British Standard Kitemark BS7114.
- Don't drink alcohol if someone is setting off fireworks.
- Keep fireworks in a closed box and always follow the instructions carefully when using them.
- Light them at arm’s length using a taper and stand well back.
- Never go back to them once they are lit. Even if a firework hasn't gone off, it could still explode.
- Never throw fireworks, and never put them in the pocket.
- Respect neighbors – don’t let off fireworks late at night and remember there are laws to follow.
- Take care with sparklers – never give them to children under five. Even when they've gone out they're still hot, so put sparklers in a bucket of water after use.
- Keep the pets indoors throughout the evening.