“DON'T FOOL WITH FIREWORKS”
That’s the message from West Midlands Fire Service as the bonfire and firework season gets underway.
Fireworks are enjoyed by thousands of people across the country and each year the highest number of firework injuries happen at family or private parties. Over half of those injuries are to children.
Fireworks are explosives and can cause serious harm if care is not taken when handling and using them.
Vij Randeniya, West Midlands Chief Fire Officer said: “We want people to enjoy fireworks safely, and that means being careful and following the Fireworks Code. We witness the consequences of not following the Fireworks code first hand and they can be devastating.”
The Fireworks Code sets out the key guidelines to follow when dealing with the devices:
- Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
- Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114, the British Safety Standard.
- Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
- Keep fireworks in a closed box.
- Follow the instructions on each firework.
- Light at arm's length, using a taper.
- Stand well back.
- Never go near a firework that has been lit . Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
- Never through fireworks onto a bonfire.
- Always supervise children around fireworks.
- Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
- Never give sparklers to a child under five.
- Keep your pets indoors.
“I urge any adult in charge of the festivities to get to know the Firework Code safety guidelines to help make their fireworks display a memorable occasion for the right reasons.” Vij added.
There are legally binding regulations which Govern the sale and use of fireworks. For more information visit www.wmfs.net and click the fireworks safety link, or type www.directgov.uk/fireworks into your web browser.
Notes: to editors:
Please see below for details of organised displays to date.
Issued by West Midlands Fire Service’s Media Relations Office.
Regular updates on incident and other WMFS activities can be found on the media voicebank on 0871 550 0056.
Organised displays arranged as at 14/10/2010:
Birmingham
Hall Green Stadium Fireworks
Hall Green Stadium
04 November 2010
Fireworks Spectacular
Pype Hayes Park
05 November 2010
West Park, Wolverhampton (WV1 4PS)
West Park
06 November 2010
Rookery Tavern
41 Wood Street
05 November 2010
Willenhall Bonfire
Willenhall Park
13 November 2010
Brownhills Bonfire
Holland Park
06 November 2010
King George V
King George V
30 October 2010
Himley Bonfire
Himley Park
06 November 2010
Sandwell Bonfire
Sandwell Park
05 November 2010
Diwali and Bonfire Festival
Victoria Park Smethwick
06 November 2010
