Although it’s an exciting time for children and adults alike, we can’t hide away from the fact that firework celebrations can end in injuries for many people – including very young children.
More than 550 children under 16 are taken to A&E in the four weeks surrounding Bonfire Night alone, according to the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT).
Also, more boys than girls are injured by fireworks – especially boys aged 12 to 15 years. To keep the fun alive and ensure your kids have a ball while watching the displays this autumn, we’ve chatted to Sheila Merrill, public health adviser for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) to get tips on keeping everyone safe.
It’s worth noting that injury figures support the advice that the safest place to enjoy fireworks is at a large public display, as far fewer people are injured at these events than at smaller family or private parties.
But you can still enjoy a display at home if you stick to the safety rules.
#1 Don’t let kids “help out” with your firework displays.
Sounds obvious, right? But it can be hard to bat away your kids’ consistent pleas to help you get the display up and ready. “Only adults should deal with setting up firework displays and the lighting of fireworks,” says Merrill. “Children and young people should be supervised, and watch and enjoy fireworks at a safe distance.”
#2 Don’t assume sparklers are an injury-free zone.
Sparklers are often viewed as harmless fun but they actually burn at fierce temperatures equivalent to a welding torch, according to RoSPA. Because of this, sparklers shouldn’t be given to kids under five. Children using sparklers should always be wearing gloves and hold sparklers at an arm’s length while lit. Make sure they know not to wave sparklers about close to other people. And, Merrill adds, never hold a baby in your arms while holding a sparkler.
#3 Don’t let loose garments spoil the fun.
Especially if your child will be near a bonfire this weekend, make sure you avoid them wearing loose clothing that could get caught and tie back any long hair.
#4 Keep kids well away from any bonfires.
It’s worth having a conversation with your kids before you go out about staying close to your side and not running like a wild child towards a lit bonfire. The CAPT advises that all parents make sure their child is standing at a reasonable distance away from any bonfires, as well as where firework displays are kicking off. “Have a marker, like a rope, for the children to stand behind at a safe distance from the display if you’re at home,” the organisation advises.
#5 Beware of lit fireworks.
Don’t let kids approach or return to any fireworks that have been lit but have not yet gone off. In fact, if you’re doing the fireworks at home yourself, it’s best not to let children near the point of fireworks at all – even after the fireworks are over. “Sometimes they can be very slow to get started and may take you by surprise,” states CAPT. “So never return to a lit firework.”