Keep safe this Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night is such a magical time for families. Here are a few simple precautions that can help keep everyone safe while you enjoy the fun together.

• Dress safely: Avoid loose or floaty clothing, and check that outfits aren’t made from highly flammable materials.

• Protect little hands:  The London Fire Brigade advises never giving sparklers to a child under the age of five. Light sparklers one at a time and wear suitable gloves, even when lighting them. For extra safety and grip, consider using the ‘veg hack’ whereby you place the sparkler end into a potato or carrot and get the child to hold the veg whilst you light the tip.

• Be prepared: Keep a couple of buckets of water close by to cool used sparklers or deal with small fires. Never throw used fireworks or sparklers into the bonfire.

• Supervise at all times: Never leave children alone near fireworks or bonfires.

• Stay sensible: Leave lighting fireworks to responsible adults — and never do so after drinking alcohol.

• Keep pets calm: Bring animals indoors and close curtains to help reduce stress from noise and lights.

• Buy safely: Only purchase fireworks from registered, reputable sellers.

• Follow instructions carefully: Always light fireworks at arm’s length and step back quickly.

• Watch from a safe distance: Make sure children and other spectators stay well back from fireworks and bonfires.

• Don’t go back: Never return to a firework once it’s been lit, even if it hasn’t gone off.

A few extra moments of care can make Bonfire Night a fun, safe, and memorable evening for the whole family.

For a full list of family-friendly bonfire night events in Northumberland and Newcastle, visit HERE or check out our ‘What’s On’ guide for a list of seasonal events and activities – click HERE