Using fireworks safely

The Firework Code

1. Plan your display and read the instructions on every firework in daylight.
2. Keep fireworks in a closed box and take out one at a time.
3. Light at arm’s length with a taper, and stand well back.
4. Never go back to a firework once it’s lit, even if it looks like it hasn’t gone off.
5. Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
6. Always supervise children, and keep pets indoors.
7. Keep a bucket of water nearby.

How far back to stand

Every firework has a minimum spectator distance printed on it. That number is the minimum, not a target. More space is always better, and you need it downwind too.

• Category F1: indoor and very close range, such as party items and some sparklers. Usually 1 metre.
• Category F2: garden fireworks. Usually 8 metres.
• Category F3: display fireworks for larger open spaces. Usually 25 metres.

If your garden can’t give you the distance printed on the box, that firework is the wrong one for your space. Tell us the size of your garden and we’ll point you at something that fits it.

Sparklers

Sparklers burn at up to 1,000°C, hot enough to melt some metals. They are not toys.

• Never give a sparkler to a child under five.
• Wear gloves and hold them at arm’s length.
• Light one at a time.
• Drop finished sparklers straight into a bucket of water, hot end first.

What the law says

• You must be 18 or over to buy fireworks. We will ask for ID if you look under 25.
• It’s illegal for anyone under 18 to have adult fireworks in a public place, and illegal for anyone to set them off in the street.
• You cannot set fireworks off between 11pm and 7am, except on:
  • Bonfire Night: until midnight
  • New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year: until 1am
• Category F4 fireworks are for trained professionals only. We don’t sell them.

Being a good neighbour

A quick word to the people either side of you goes a long way, especially if anyone nearby has animals, a new baby, or is sensitive to noise. If you want a display without the bangs, ask us. Plenty of fireworks are quiet and still look superb.

Pets and livestock

• Bring cats, dogs and small animals indoors before dusk.
• Close curtains and leave a radio or television on to mask the bangs.
• Never set fireworks off near fields with horses or livestock.

Storing and getting rid of them

Keep fireworks in a closed metal or sturdy cardboard box, somewhere cool and dry, away from heat and out of reach of children. Don’t store them in a shed that gets hot, and never anywhere near fuel or a boiler.

Leave spent fireworks and any that didn’t go off overnight, then soak them in a bucket of water before putting them in the bin. Never try to relight or take apart a firework that failed.

If something goes wrong

For a minor burn, cool it under running water for at least 20 minutes and don’t apply creams. For an eye injury, anything larger than a small burn, or a fire you can’t put out immediately, call 999. For advice on a burn that doesn’t need an ambulance, call 111.