Wednesday 31
October
10.00hrs
As Guy Fawkes’ Night will soon be upon us, Avon Fire
& Rescue Service (AF&RS) is giving local residents tips on
how to have a safe 5 November.
Bonfire Night
celebrations can be a great success, but for some the event can end
in injury, fire, or even worse.
Watch Manager
Steve Halstead, AF&RS Community Safety Officer, said: “We want
everyone to be able to enjoy the celebrations on 5 November, but to
take care and stay safe.
“Ideally we
would like to see people attending organised firework displays,
which are well planned and much safer, but we know that many prefer
to stage their own displays at home.
“Firefighters
have seen the damage fireworks and bonfires can do, both to lives
and property. Don’t be complacent about firework safety this 5
November and you and your family will have an enjoyable time.”
AF&RS has
teamed up with Avon & Somerset Constabulary and Bristol City
Council to bring residents the following advice:
• Only buy
fireworks marked with the British Standard Kitemark BS7114.
• Keep fireworks in a closed box, and always follow the
instructions carefully.
• Light fireworks at arms length and stand well back.
• Don't go back to a firework once lit - even if it hasn't gone
off, it could still explode.
• Respect your neighbours - don’t let off fireworks late at
night.
• Take care with sparklers and never give them to children under
five. And remember they will still be hot even after they've gone
out so have a bucket of water handy to put used sparklers in.
• Pets and fireworks don't mix - keep your pets indoors.
• Build your bonfire clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences and
hedges, and never leave unattended when its alight – if you are
concerned that a bonfire might affect nearby properties and
overhead cables when it’s lit, please contact AF&RS on 0117 926
2061.
• Don't use flammable liquids to help start your bonfire and never
burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam
furniture or batteries.
• Nominate an
adult whose not drinking alcohol to light the fireworks.
• Always keep a
bucket of water or a hosepipe nearby in case of
emergency.