SAFETY first is the message to revellers in Sedgemoor from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service this Bonfire Night.
The service has issued a firework safety checklist: · Buy fireworks from a reputable seller. Make sure they are British Standard marked (BS7114).
· Store fireworks in a closed, locked metal box and take them out one at a time when it’s time to use them.
· Make sure supports for rockets and Catherine wheels are stable.
· Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on each firework and read them by torchlight – NEVER a naked flame.
On the night: · Choose one person to be responsible for lighting the fireworks.
· Don’t drink alcohol if you are responsible for lighting fireworks.
· Wear gloves and eye protection.
· Keep children under control.
· Keep pets indoors.
· Keep a bucket of water handy.
· Light fireworks at arm’s length using a safety firework lighter or taper.
· Stand well back after lighting.
· NEVER go back to firework once it’s been lit – it may go off in your face.
· Used fireworks should be collected after the display with care and well after the event has finished.
· Douse used fireworks with water, bury or place in a metal container.
Sparklers Children love sparklers but always: · Supervise children with sparklers and never give them to a child under five.
· Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
· Put used sparklers hot end down into a bucket of sand and water.
Bonfires · Site well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs and ALWAYS FROM FIREWORKS.
· Keep buckets of water and a garden hose nearby in case of an emergency but dial 999 if the fire is getting out of control.
· Before lighting the fire check that there are no children or pets hiding inside it.
· Build the stack so that it is stable and won’t collapse outwards or to one side.
· NEVER use flammable liquids - paraffin or petrol - to light the fire.
· Don’t burn foam filled furniture, bottles, aerosols or tins of paint.
· Children MUST be supervised at all times and all onlookers kept well back.
· Pour water on the embers before leaving.
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