Londoners have been urged to have a safe bonfire night as the Fire Brigade announces it expects to be called to around 400 incidents in the build up to November 5th.
“Each year the London Fire Brigade is called to a large number of incidents around bonfire night that result in unnecessary injuries and extensive damage to property” says Assistant Commissioner for Community Safety, Steve Turek.
Mr Turek urged anyone planning to hold their own display at home to “follow all the safety guidelines. Better still, why not go along to one of the fireworks displays being organised in your local area for a safe and enjoyable Guy Fawkes.”
If you are organising a firework display or bonfire at home the Brigade have issued the following guidelines:-
- Only buy fireworks marked with the British Standard Kitemark BS7114
- Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
- Keep them in a closed box, preferably a metal one.
- Follow the instructions on each firework.
- Light them at arms length using a taper and stand well back.
- Never go back to them once they are lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
- Never throw fireworks and never put them in your pocket.
- Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves and never give them to children under five.
- When a sparkler goes out, DON’T TOUCH IT – it could still burn you so put it hot end down in a bucket of water.
- Keep your pets indoors throughout the evening.
- Build your bonfire well clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences and hedges.
- Never use flammable liquids to help start a bonfire and never burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture or batteries.
- Don’t leave bonfires unattended. An adult should supervise it until it has burnt out. If it has to be left, damp it down with water.
- Always keep a bucket of water or a hosepipe nearby in case of emergency. You can use a hosepipe in an emergency during a hosepipe ban.
Organised firework displays are held all over London, including Battersea Park, Alexandra Palace, Walthamstow and Bishops Park. Check your local press or your Council’s website for displays in your area.
For more information on firework and bonfire safety, see the London Fire Brigade website www.london-fire.gov.uk
