Fireworks aren’t just limited to Bonfire Night – they also play a large part in various celebrations, including New Year and Divali.

They are incredibly beautiful and are a huge draw for all ages, yet fireworks are essentially explosives and burn at very high temperatures. Therefore, it is vital that you pay heed to their dangers and handle them with the utmost care.

Fireworks safety

The statistics show that children are more likely to get hurt by fireworks than adults. Therefore, if you are planning a DIY fireworks display in Chelmsford this year, it is important that a responsible adult is in charge of lighting them.

Preparation, preparation, preparation...

Planning is key and there are some rules to follow to ensure you’re safe:

• Never buy fireworks from a source you’re not sure about – a temporary, unlicensed market stall or the back of a van is not a good idea!
• Only purchase fireworks with a BS 7114 or CE mark and these prove that the item meets British or European standards
• Make sure you follow the instructions on each firework. Remember that every firework is different and always read in daylight or with a decent torch. It goes without saying that you should never use a naked flame to read the instructions!
• Ensure that you make decent launchers and supports for fireworks such as rockets of Catherine Wheels

On the night...

You will need:

• Gloves and eye protection
• A closed metal box for your fireworks so you can take them out one at a time
• A bucket of water to douse used sparklers or put out small fires
• A bucket of earth to stick your fireworks in

And then there was light...

There are a few simple rules to make sure everyone stays safe:

• Make sure that only one person is responsible for the lighting of fireworks
• That allocated person should not drink alcohol
• Always light fireworks at arm’s length and use a taper
• Make sure that everyone else at the party remains a safe distance away
• Even if the firework doesn’t go off, never return to a firework that has been lit
• Sparklers should never be given to children under 5 and supervise the older children

And finally...

Remember that you may be enjoying your fireworks party this Bonfire Night 2011, but your pets may not be! Make sure they remain inside and for those with a nervous disposition, you may want to invest in a specialist plug-in diffuser, which emits a synthetic substance designed to mimic a reassuring pheromone.