Bonfire night

Bonfire night can be a spectacular event, but not everyone enjoys it. In order for everyone to make the most of this time, here are some tips to keep everyone safe.

Displays
The safest way to enjoy Bonfire night is to attend a registered, organised display. This is also a great way of keeping noise to a minimum to protect more vulnerable people in society.

• Owing to weather conditions, Swansea Council's official display at Swansea Bay will take place on Friday 12th November - find out more here.

However, if you are planning on celebrating at home, be considerate and let your neighbours know, particularly if they are elderly or have young children or pets. Please also be mindful of the firework code. The firework code in the UK is a list of firework 'commandments' designed to ensure safety. They are:

• Never give a sparkler to a child under the age of five. Always ensure children wear gloves when using sparklers and are supervised at all times. When finished with, they should be doused in a bucket of water.
• Use only fireworks marked to BS 71141.
• Keep all fireworks in a closed box. It should preferably be made of metal or plastic and kept tightly sealed.
• Follow the instructions on the firework closely.
• Use a taper and light fireworks one at a time at arm's length.
• Stand well back.
• Never go back to a firework that has been lit.
• Never put fireworks in your pockets.
• Never throw a firework.
• Keep pets indoors.
• Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.

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It is an offence to let fireworks off during night hours (11pm to 7am), except on Bonfire Night (midnight), Diwali, New Year's Eve, and Chinese New Year (1am). 

If you are planning on using sparklers, here are some safety tips:

• It is recommended that sparklers are not given to under-5s
• Make sure everyone handling sparklers wears gloves
• Hold sparklers at arm’s length while being lit and light them one at a time
• Don’t wave sparklers about close to other people
• Never hold a baby in your arms while you are holding a sparkler
• When the sparkler has finished put it in a bucket of cold water.

If you are planning on lighting a bonfire, please follow this advice:

• One person should be responsible for the bonfire and children should be supervised
• Choose a site away from wooden fences, sheds and where children will be playing
• Never pour petrol or paraffin on to a fire - it’s safer to use fire lighters to prevent flare-ups
• Keep a bucket of water handy in case of an accident
• Avoid loose clothing and tie back long hair
• After the party, pour water on the fire, rather than leaving it to burn out.

For more firework safety advice, please visit the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents' dedicated webpage: Firework safety - RoSPA

Pet safety
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Advice for pet owners during fireworks season ¿ An infographic created by the RSPCA