Fireworks and Bonfires: Stay Safe This Bonfire Night

As the nights draw in and we reluctantly say goodbye to the warmer temperatures of summer and early autumn, it can be easy to become fed up of the darker evenings and colder days. Thankfully, there are plenty of festivities to enjoy in the coming months, with Bonfire Night arguably being one of the most fun. But while there is plenty of enjoyment to be had on this festive night, with fireworks and bonfires galore, it is important to also be cautious of these usually joyous spectacles.

It can be easy to forget the danger of fireworks when they are burning hundreds of metres up in the sky. But the fact is that, behind the pretty colours and bright lights, they are dangerous missiles packed with gunpowder that can travel at staggering speeds. And it’s a similar story for bonfires. These exciting focal points provide us with warmth and entertainment, but they can be one flicker away from causing disaster.

While the vast majority of community bonfire events go without a hitch every year, fire is never without its risks. Even a small garden fire can burn up to 1,100 degrees Celsius (over 2,000 degrees Farenheit!) – that’s hot enough to melt some metals!

So, it’s safe to say, there can be no such thing as being over-cautious when it comes to being around bonfires and fireworks – and that counts for looking after your eyes and vision, too!

Staying Safe This Bonfire Night

While it is important to be aware of the potential dangers of bonfires and fireworks, that isn’t to say you shouldn’t enjoy these stunning displays this Bonfire Night. But there are some things you should bear in mind to help make you experience as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Attend an organised event

It can be tempting to curate your own fireworks display, or even use the event as an opportunity to burn off some old wood or papers in the back garden. But the best thing you can do to stay safe and protect your eyes this bonfire night is attend an organised event.

Bonfire night has become a much-loved tradition in the UK and, as such, it is rarely difficult to find an event near you. Bonfires and fireworks displays are often organised by councils or experts in public spaces. When attending these events, you can feel safe in the knowledge that the displays have been set up in a controlled way and that the appropriate health and safety measures are in place. Moreover, there are often festive food and drinks stalls to add to the enjoyment of the night – what’s not to like!

Be mindful of sparklers

Sparklers are a fun addition to any Bonfire night celebration. They are often seen as a way to get children more involved in the festivities – though they are equally loved by many adults! But again, they are not without their risks.

Sparklers are essentially burning rods of metal, and while they might look pretty, once they’re lit, they won’t hesitate to let off sparks that could easily damage your skin and eyes. So, always follow the safety guidelines when using them – and never leave children unattended with a sparkler! they should never be given to children under the age of five, and they should always be used outdoors where there is plenty of space and a water or sand bucket to hand!

As a side note: Organised bonfire events often have stewards who are happy to provide information and help on the safest ways to enjoy sparklers!

Tips for managing your own festivities safely

In some cases, organising your own bonfire night event might be the best option for you. But if you’re looking to put on your own mini firework display or small fire, then you should bear in mind some basic rules to ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and your guests.

First things first, always be sure to purchase fireworks from a reputable retailer and that the products meet British standards. While it might be possible to purchase cheap fireworks online or through other sources, these products are often not tested and do not reach the necessary safety standards. In some cases, this can mean they don’t go off as expected, potentially leading to dangerous incidents.

But even the highest-standard products can be dangerous when used incorrectly. Therefore, it is crucial to take the appropriate measures when lighting, setting up, and disposing of your fireworks.

When lighting a firework, it is recommended to wear goggles to protect your eyes. This doesn’t simply mean putting on a pair of glasses, or worse, trying to cover your face with a hat and scarf. Polycarbonate lenses, available from most DIY stores, are necessary if you want to fully protect your eyes (you can wear them over your specs).

Having ensured the firework is set up safely and securely, you will want to be sure to light it at arm’s length. Moreover, you shouln’t use a standard lighter for this job. Instead, you will want to employ a specially designed taper to allow more distance from the firework. Once the firework is lit, you should move well back – at least five to eight metres for garden fireworks (this rises to 25 metres at larger fireworks displays).

But what about if the firework doesn’t go off? It is generally advised that you do not return to the firework unless you are certain it is not lit. It may have a damaged fuse which could set off the firework unexpectedly, in which case, you don’t want to be anywhere near!

Bonfire safety follows many of the same basic principles of firework safety — only do so in an open, clear area, keep a bucket of water handy, don’t mix with other items such as aerosols, paint, or paraffin. However, fires are a beast of their own, and if you’re planning to build your own, you should check out the complete list of recommended precautions and steps to ensure you do it safely.

Once you’re sure you have all these bases covered, it’s time to relax (though not too much!) and enjoy some safe, trouble-free fun this bonfire night.

For more tips on keeping your eyes safe and your vision healthy, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators. Alternatively, Book a Consultation today to find out how Laser Eye Surgery could help you enjoy the fireworks to the fullest this year!