With many organised fireworks displays cancelled again this year, we are urging people to enjoy Bonfire Night and Diwali safely.
In 2020/21, there were 116 hospital admissions of people injured by fireworks, 21 of which involved children aged 14 or under, with nine aged between one and four.
Make sure children are properly supervised at all times near fireworks. Never go back to a lit firework. And don't pick up a firework after it has been used.
Did you know that a sparkler burns 16 times hotter than a kettle? If you’re using them, make sure your child wears gloves, and never holds more than one at once. Don’t throw them, or hold them near others, and put them into a bucket of water once finished.
The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) publishes tips for firework safety and is encouraging the public, especially families with young children, to remember the Stop, Drop and Roll technique.
If clothes do catch fire, don’t panic:
STOP what you are doing,
DROP to the ground and cover your face with your hands
ROLL over and over to put out the flames
If you or a child does get injured and it is less serious, consult 111 online. Call 999 where it is life-threatening.
The CAPT Fireworks advice hub helps families buy safe and stay safe for Bonfire Night and Diwali.