Firework and Sparkler Safety
Please think twice about using fireworks at home. If you must have fireworks at home, plan carefully and follow the Firework Code.
Fireworks are explosives and should be treated with respect.
Misusing fireworks can lead to serious and permanent injury, including the loss of fingers, serious burns and even sight loss.
If you must have fireworks at home, please follow this safety advice:
DOs
- Only buy fireworks from retailers registered with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service
- Keep fireworks in a closed box
- Follow the instructions on each firework
- Light them at arm’s length, using a taper
- Stand well back
- Always supervise children around fireworks
- Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
- Keep pets indoors
- Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
- Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode
- Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
- Never give sparklers to a child under five
- Don’t let fireworks off after 11pm
- Sparklers are not toys and should never be given to children under the age of 5, they will not understand how to use them safely
- Always wear gloves when handling sparklers
- Never hold a baby or child if you have a sparkler in your hand
- Put finished sparklers into a bucket of water as soon as they have burnt out as they can stay hot for a long time
- Always supervise children using sparklers
- Avoid dressing children in loose or flowing clothes – they may catch light
- Show children how to hold sparklers – away from their body and at arm’s length
- Teach children not to wave sparklers near anyone else or run while holding them