Bonfire night – be safe with fireworks

Fireworks are now on sale in Bristol and around the UK, not just for Bonfire night but for celebrations at any time of the year.

If you are planning to buy fireworks you should look out for and choose to buy fireworks only from shops that have been licensed to sell them.

Bristol City Council advice

“You can ask at the shop to see if they have the correct certificate to legally sell fireworks. Never buy them from vans or door to door salesmen as they will be sold illegally and may be very dangerous” said Jonathan Martin, Head of Trading Standards for Bristol City Council.

Bristol City Council have also published a Firework Code;

Firework Code

For your safety, and for the safety of your family and friends, and other people in the vicinity of your fireworks party:

• Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114.
• 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 has not gone off, it could still explode.
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
• Always supervise children around fireworks.
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
• Never give sparklers to a child under five.
• Keep pets indoors.

For more information visit the  Bristol City Council – Be safe on Bonfire night page.