Most injuries caused by fireworks are to children under the age of 16 . Fireworks are mini-explosives dressed up in colourful packaging – they are not toys. They burn at high temperatures and can cause terrible injuries very quickly, including sparklers which can reach 2,000°C – more than 15 times the boiling point of water.
So always try to go to a properly organised public display. But if you do want to use fireworks at home, you can keep yourself and your family safe by following the firework code. Here are some handy tips on how to handle fireworks properly and safely.
- Only buy fireworks marked with the British Standard Kitemark BS7114
- Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
- Keep them in a closed box.
- Follow the instructions on each firework.
- Light them at arms length using a taper and stand well back.
- Never go back to them once they are lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
- Never throw fireworks and never put them in your pocket.
- Light sparklers one at a time & wear gloves and never give them to children under five.
- When a sparkler goes out, DON’T TOUCH IT – it could still burn you so put it hot end down in a bucket of water.
- Keep your pets indoors.
- If you’re going to light a bonfire, by following a few tips you can keep yourself safe.
- Bonfires can get out of control if you are not careful. Don’t light them if it’s windy.
- Build your bonfire well clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences and hedges.
- Never use flammable liquids to start the fire, and never burn dangerous rubbish like aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture or batteries.
- Keep a bucket of water or a hosepipe handy in case you need it.
- Before you light the bonfire check that there are no children or animals hiding inside and that they are a safe distance away.
- Don’t leave bonfires unattended. An adult should supervise it until everything has been burnt. If the bonfire has to be left, damp it down with water.
- If you’re having a firework display, light the bonfire afterwards so there’s no risk of sparks or heat from the fire setting off the fireworks. Never put fireworks on the fire.
Local Displays
Saturday 4 November
Dulwich Sports Club Bonfire & Fireworks Night
Doors open at 5pm (access via Old Alleyn Club entrance at 83-85 Burbage Road) Fireworks approx @ 7.00pm.
Battersea Fireworks Display
Bonfire lit at 7.30pm and fireworks due to start at 8pm. Admission is £5.00 with free entry for kids under 10 years old.
Saturday 4 November
The Blackheath fireworks display takes place on Saturday 4 November with the fireworks due to begin at 8pm.
Sunday 5 November
Crystal Palace Fireworks
Tickets are now on sale now!! There are two excellent shows for you again this year, the 7pm children’s show will be set to music but will have less bangs and more colours! Then it’s on the main event at 8:30pm with all bangs and more!!!
Southwark’s spectacular free firework display on November 5th! Taking place at Southwark Park’s Victorian bandstand. 7pm to 9pm, fireworks at 8.45pm
Times correct at going to press.