Remember, remember the 5th of November! Yes, it's that time of year again where we all don our scarves, hats, and gloves and stand in a field gazing up to the sky shouting ooh and ahh.  However, according to figures over 550 children under 16 are taken to A&E in the four weeks surrounding bonfire night alone, and many more boys than girls are injured by fireworks – especially boys aged 12 to 15 years.

So here's our guide to keeping kids safe on Firework night, whether you’re holding your own event or attending an organised one! 

  • Avoid giving a child under five a sparkler to hold or carrying a baby or child when you have a sparkler in your hand.
  • Always supervise a child when they use sparklers and always make sure they are wearing gloves! (they can get five times hotter than cooking oil!)
  • Don't let children run around with sparklers or pick used sparklers up once they've finished
  • Make sure used sparklers are placed in water once they are finished.
  • For anyone organising a large event there are a number of wristbands for children which are a really great way to quickly identify a lost child and reunite them with their parent or carer. Tyvek wristbands are also a great way to keep track on admission at events.
  • Make sure children stand behind a rope or a marker so they are at a safe distance and view point from the display.
  • Use a torch, rather than a naked flame, to carefully read the instructions on the fireworks pack.
  • Hold the firework at arm’s length and light it with a taper or firework lighter.
  • Store fireworks in a lockable container or metal box until you are ready to use them, and never leave them unattended.
  • Never throw spent fireworks onto a bonfire.
  • If you’re lighting fireworks, the safest place for a bonfire is at least 18 metres away from the house and surrounding trees and other foliage.
  • After you’ve finished the display, make sure that anyone who is helping you to clear up uses tongs or gloves to collect all the spent fireworks to avoid burning themselves.

The most important thing though is to have fun and be aware. As long as you remember the above points your bonfire night should be a success! Enjoy!