Be safe, not sorry this Autumn!
Crispy leaves, cracking conkers and carving pumpkins! The Autumn season might bring with it shorter days and colder temperatures but also beautiful colours and rich smells. Maybe you will be getting involved in the fun and festivities of the next few weeks such as Diwali, Halloween and Bonfire Night? So, it is time to wrap up, get cosy and, mostly important, stay safe.
How to stay safe around fireworks, sparklers and candles:
• Only buy fireworks that carry the CE mark (important safety standards)
• Never throw fireworks or play with them
• Do not put fireworks in your pocket
• Fireworks should only be handled by adults over the age of 18
• Sparklers should only be used by children over 5 and should be supervised at all times.
• Only ever hold a maximum of one sparkler at a time
• Adults should follow firework instructions carefully and fireworks should kept in a closed metal box when not in use
• Have a bucket of water nearby to put used sparklers in (hot end down)
• Keep naked flames (including lit cigarettes) away from fireworks
• Paraffin and petrol should never be used
• Stand well back and never go back to a lit firework (even if it hasn’t gone off, it can still explode)
• Alcohol should not be consumed near fireworks, this could lead to serious injuries
Don’t Break the law! It is illegal to set fireworks off between 11pm and 7am, except on Bonfire Night (midnight), Diwali, New Year and Chinese New Year (1am) and it’s illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess fireworks in a public place.
Be Kind, Be Smart
• Attend carefully-planned council run firework events for Bonfire Night for the biggest, best and safest displays
• Be thoughtful about pets and neighbours. Many animals find fireworks scary and it’s not just the pets in our home, think about other wildlife!
• Focus on the food delights of the occasion!
• Watch firework displays on the TV, switch off the lights and get cosy on the sofa
• Make a woodland shelter in your garden for hedgehogs etc. instead of a bonfire
Please access the Greater Manchester Fire Service for more information on staying safe and always call 999 in an emergency.
Happy celebrating!
