Have fun, but stay safe this Bonfire Night

FIREWORKS are fun when enjoyed safely; that's the message from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), as the nation prepares for bonfire night celebrations.

RoSPA says that attending an organised display is the safest option, but with some people unable to get out and about and some local Councils cancelling firework displays, there could be an uptick in people celebrating at home. And with every bonfire night witnessing serious injury cases, RoSPA recommends anyone hosting a display at home to read its firework safety advice.

Anyone planning on celebrating Bonfire Night should know:-

• It is illegal to set off fireworks in public places, including:- streets and parks.
   

• It is illegal to buy, attempt to buy, give or in any way make a firework available to someone under the age of 18.
   

• It is illegal to set fireworks off before:- 6pm and after 11pm. This extends to midnight on 5th November, and 1am on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year, and Diwali.
   

• It's safer to celebrate at an organised event if there's 1 in your area, but if you're planning a private display at home, make sure you know how to keep you and your loved ones safe.
   

• Keep a safe distance.
   

• Follow the Firework Code and read instructions before use.
   

• Not all fireworks are suitable for private use, it depends on the size of your garden; so do your research before purchasing.

RoSPA's 12 Point Firework Code:-

• Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and check the time you can legally set off fireworks.
   

• In England, Scotland and Wales only buy fireworks which carry UKCA or CE marks. In the case of Northern Ireland look for the UKNI symbol along with the UKCA or CE mark. Keep your fireworks in a closed box, and use them 1 at a time.
   

• Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary.
   

• Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back.
   

• Keep naked flames, including:- cigarettes, away from fireworks.
   

• Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
   

• Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
   

• Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.
   

• Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.
   

• Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.
   

• Once a firework is finished, leave it for 20 minutes and then immerse it in a bucket of water before disposal.
   

• Always supervise children around fireworks and never give sparklers to a child under 5.

Phil Le Shirley, Public Safety Advisor at RoSPA, said:- "Bonfire night can be a magical time for families and communities, and we believe the safest way to enjoy fireworks is by going to an organised display where there will be the appropriate safety protocols in place. However, we do recognise that not everyone can attend organised displays and may wish to have their own at home. We therefore advise those people to only purchase fireworks from licensed sellers, follow the manufacturers guidelines and dispose of them safely. It's also important to remember that sparklers are classed as fireworks and therefore are illegal to be sold to anyone under the age of 18, and sparklers should not be given to children under the age of 5."

Fireworks also have some hidden risks and advised precautions one could miss even during an exciting festivities night...

Here are some health conditions to be particularly wary of if you plan to enjoy a fireworks show:-

• Respiratory Conditions (like Asthma and COPD):- The smoke from fireworks is laden with particulate matter that might trigger an asthma attack or exacerbate COPD symptoms.
   

• Heart Diseases:- In a 2015 study, researchers found an increase in heart attacks, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, stroke, venous thromboembolism, hypertension, and pulmonary embolism on New Year's Day, which they attributed in part to fireworks induced air pollution.
   

• Nervous System Disorders:- Loud fireworks can trigger episodes in individuals with sensory processing disorders or conditions like autism, PTSD, and epilepsy.

Another issue you should be aware of:-

• You must not use  fireworks close to an airport or on a runway flight path.

More information can be found online at:- Gov.UK.

Stay safe and avoid hazardous costumes this Halloween

HALLOWEEN can be fun when you stay safe and avoid hazardous products, that's the message from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) ahead of the:- 31 October 2023.

The warning comes after several Halloween costumes have been recalled over safety fears relating to serious chemical and fire risks[1] and flagged by consumer champions Which?.

When purchasing a costume, RoSPA advises:-

• Look for the appropriate safety marks.
   

• In England, Scotland and Wales only buy costumes or toys which carry UKCA or CE marks. In the case of Northern Ireland look for the UKNI symbol along with the UKCA or CE mark.

All parts of a Halloween costume, including:- wigs and face masks, should be flame retardant in accordance with EN71 part 2; the safety standard for flammability of toys.

Additionally, items sold in the UK by a member of the British Retail Consortium (BRC) are likely to have been made to a higher standard of fire safety and labelled with the words:- 'This garment has undergone additional safety testing for flammability.'

Beware when purchasing from unknown brands... Unknown brands or brands you can only find online may not meet the strict regulations around costume and toy safety. This could put you or your child at greater fire risk, or at risk from dangerous chemicals. Therefore, we always advise you only purchase products from known brands.

Keep away from naked flames... As with all clothing, Halloween and fancy dress outfits should always be kept away from fire, lit candles and all other naked flames. RoSPA advises not to have lit candles as part of Halloween celebrations, and consideration can be given to using battery-operated candles instead of real ones.

Be safe, be seen... Most Halloween costumes are dark, which can pose a risk to children when out and enjoying the festivities. If you can, provide them with a torch and add something reflective to their outfit so they can be seen by vehicles. For maximum safety, children should always be accompanied by an adult.

Phil Le Shirley, Public Safety Advisor at RoSPA, said:- "Halloween can be an exciting time for children, and we want to ensure everyone can enjoy the time safely and without any accidents. That's why when it comes to dressing up, we recommend checking a Halloween costume or toy for the appropriate safety marks such as a UKCA or CE mark in England, Scotland and Wales or the UKNI symbol with the UKCA or CE mark in Northern Ireland. We also recognise that the darker nights reduce visibility, so advise children out trick or treating carry a torch and piece of reflective clothing to ensure they remain seen and stay safe; and always keep away from naked flames, especially when visiting other people's homes."

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) Arson Manager Suzanne Hazza said:- "We want everyone in Merseyside to enjoy Halloween as safely as possible. We understand this is an exciting night for many families and we're asking parents to take extra care when choosing costumes and dressing their children. Ensuring the costume has been tested for fire safety and adding a layer of clothing underneath costumes can make a huge difference. As we get closer to Halloween, there are plenty of ways to have fun with the family without compromising on safety. Simple actions such as swapping ordinary candles for LED battery operated ones or knowing where the nearest exit is at a Halloween party means you can stay safe while enjoying Halloween."

MFRS have given these extra tips for a safe Halloween:-

• Add an extra layer of clothing underneath costumes to protect the skin in the event of a fire incident.
   

• Teach children to:- 'STOP, DROP and ROLL' in the event their clothing does catch fire.
   

• Take extra care when lighting Halloween pumpkins and ensure that no loose clothing is near them at any time (particularly when they are being moved)
   

• Consider using LED battery operated candles, these are safer and can be cheaper.
   

• Make sure Halloween decorations are placed well away from naked flames or heat sources, and make sure decorations don't block any escape routes.
   

• Children and pets should never be left alone with candles or any heat sources.
   

• Ensure all candles are extinguished before going to bed.
   

• Ensure your home has at least 1 working smoke alarm on every level. Consider fitting additional alarms in other rooms where there are electrical appliances or near sleeping areas.

For fire safety advice, or if you do not have working smoke alarms in your property, call:- 08007315958. For more tips on staying safe this Halloween and Bonfire, visit:- Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service's website:- MerseyFire.Gov.UK.