Firework Safety Message
Highlands & Islands Fire and Rescue Service urge members of the public to treat fireworks with the utmost respect. Every year hundreds of avoidable injuries are caused by fireworks. Last year alone there were 1,160 injuries in the UK. The vast majority of these occurred at family or private parties and over half of all injuries happened to children under 16. That's a lot of young people, many of whom may be scarred for life.
Highlands & Islands Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer, Brian Murray issues a strong warning for people to follow common sense precautions. "Every year injuries are caused through people not handling fireworks properly. It should be remembered that a simple firework like a sparkler burns at 2000° C". We would always advise people to attend a public display in the first instance but if you are having your own display remember:
- Follow the instructions given
- Don't light too many
fireworks at once
- Keep children
properly supervised
- Don't give under 5's
sparklers
- Don't approach the firework if it doesn't ignite
We also urge the public never to drink alcohol if you are setting off fireworks or tending a bonfire. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of injury in these circumstances and it also affects the ability of adults to properly supervise children.
Sources of Further Information
For further information on Fireworks Safety, visit the DTI website at: www.dti.gov.uk/fireworks and for advice on what to do in an emergency, visit the Child Accident Prevention Trust site at http://www.capt.org.uk/.