Fireworks

Read all the instructions: The box of fireworks will tell you important things like how far people need to stand back once the firework is lit. Make sure to read all the safety warnings. Buy from licensed sellers: Most shops, like supermarkets, can only sell fireworks on certain dates during the year. If you’re buying them at a different time you need to visit a specially licensed shop. It’s illegal for under-18s to buy or carry fireworks. Keep pets indoors: Cats and dogs should stay inside. Check your timings: Did you know that you can’t let fireworks off between 11pm and 7am? The only exceptions are Bonfire night, when the cut off is midnight, and New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when it’s 1am. Let your neighbours know, so they can prepare. Teach children to Stop, Drop and Roll. Ahead of Fireworks night and Hallowe’en, make sure children know what to do if their clothes catch fire. The instinct is to run. So encourage them to practice stopping, dropping to the ground, covering their face with their hands, and rolling over a few times to put out the flames.

Don’t let children help: Kids should enjoy the display from a distance and should not be allowed to handle fireworks, tapers and matches. Preferably they should watch from inside the house and away from any fireworks that could go astray. Don’t rush things. Take time to plan and make sure you are confident and comfortable with handling fireworks and that you have the appropriate space in your garden to hold a display. Don’t give sparklers to children under the age of 5. Don’t forget that bonfires are dangerous too. If you are having one, keep your bonfire away from buildings, sheds, fences and trees and have water or a hosepipe ready. Tell your neighbours so that they are informed, and never throw anything dangerous onto the fire.

Following a firework accident that is any parent’s worst nightmare, mother Eleanor tells the story of her amazing daughter Rosie-May and the day her family would prefer to forgetc.