Figures show that the most accidents involving fireworks happen at family or private parties. To make sure that your celebrations are fun and safe only buy fireworks from reputable, established shops – never from market stalls or short let premises and always follow the Firework Code:

• only buy fireworks marked BS 7114
• always keep fireworks in a closed box
• always follow the instructions on each firework
• light them at arms length using a taper
• stand well back
• never return to firework once lit, even if hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
• never put fireworks in your pocket
• always supervise children around fireworks
• Sparklers should be lit one at a time and always wear gloves
• never give sparklers to a child under five
• keep pets indoors

Make sure that only one person is responsible for the fireworks and that no-one else handles them.

Please remember that Sparklers are responsible for most firework accidents – they burn FIVE times hotter than cooking oil and stay hot for a long while after use – supervise children closely and always make sure that spent sparklers are placed hot end down in a bucket of water.

It is an offence to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18.  The law also states that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to carry fireworks in a public place.

For more information on Firework Safety, please click on the links at the right hand side of this page.