Bonfire night safety advice issued by council
Friday, 5th November 2010.
With the main bonfire night and firework party time being this weekend, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Trading Standards are urging members of the public to remember the importance of fire safety.
Cllr Rae Leighton, portfolio holder for public protection said: “Bonfire night can be a fun event for the whole family. However people need to remember the dangers associated with fireworks and bonfires.
"There are a number of simple steps everyone can follow to make it a safe and enjoyable night for all. Please take the time to read the safety information Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has issued.“
Bonfire Safety
· Always site the bonfire well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs and always away from fireworks.
· Build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse outwards or to one side.
· Before lighting the bonfire check that no animals or children are hiding inside it.
· Never use flammable liquids (paraffin or petrol) to light the fire.
· Don’t burn foam-filled furniture, aerosols, tins of paint or bottles.
· Keep everyone away from the bonfire – especially children, and keep pets indoors.
· Pour water on the embers before leaving.
· Always keep buckets of water, the garden hose or a fire extinguisher nearby.
Firework Safety
· Always buy fireworks from licensed premises.
· Only buy fireworks marked BS7114.
· Keep them in a closed metal box and take them out one at a time.
· Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on each firework, read the instructions by torchlight - never a naked flame.
· Light fireworks at arm’s length using a safety firework lighter or fuse wick and stand back after lighting.
· Never go back to a firework once it is lit.
· Used fireworks should be collected with care, doused with water, buried or place in a metal container.
Over the last few weeks trading standards officers have carried out inspections on premises selling fireworks across the county to ensure they are being stored correctly and safely.
They would like to remind members of the public that fireworks should always be purchased from licensed retailers and that it is also illegal for fireworks to be sold to anyone under 18.
Cllr Rae Leighton, portfolio holder for public protection said: “Bonfire night can be a fun event for the whole family. However people need to remember the dangers associated with fireworks and bonfires.
"There are a number of simple steps everyone can follow to make it a safe and enjoyable night for all. Please take the time to read the safety information Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has issued.“
Bonfire Safety
· Always site the bonfire well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs and always away from fireworks.
· Build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse outwards or to one side.
· Before lighting the bonfire check that no animals or children are hiding inside it.
· Never use flammable liquids (paraffin or petrol) to light the fire.
· Don’t burn foam-filled furniture, aerosols, tins of paint or bottles.
· Keep everyone away from the bonfire – especially children, and keep pets indoors.
· Pour water on the embers before leaving.
· Always keep buckets of water, the garden hose or a fire extinguisher nearby.
Firework Safety
· Always buy fireworks from licensed premises.
· Only buy fireworks marked BS7114.
· Keep them in a closed metal box and take them out one at a time.
· Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on each firework, read the instructions by torchlight - never a naked flame.
· Light fireworks at arm’s length using a safety firework lighter or fuse wick and stand back after lighting.
· Never go back to a firework once it is lit.
· Used fireworks should be collected with care, doused with water, buried or place in a metal container.
Over the last few weeks trading standards officers have carried out inspections on premises selling fireworks across the county to ensure they are being stored correctly and safely.
They would like to remind members of the public that fireworks should always be purchased from licensed retailers and that it is also illegal for fireworks to be sold to anyone under 18.
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