Bonfire night is one of the most exciting times of the year. Whether you're making your own bonfire or going to a local display, it's something everyone in the family can enjoy. But with the fun, can also come some dangers so it's best to know what to do to avoid any serious injuries.

Here at HSS, we have put together 10 top tips that can keep you and your family safe during bonfire night.

Top 10 Bonfire Night Safety Tips

1. Choosing suitable fireworks - When shopping for fireworks , make sure that you're buying them from licensed retailers. Be sure to check that the fireworks you choose are suitable for home use and that they have a CE marked & that they conform with the British Safety Standards, which will also be marked.
2. Build your bonfire away in an open space - Think about where you'll be having the bonfire and if you'll have enough surrounding space. Don't build the bonfire near fences, sheds, trees and anything else that could potentially catch fire.
3. Create a barrier - One way to keep you and others safe at a bonfire display is to make a barrier around it. Rope, guard barriers, string or anything else you may have around your home can be used. Ideally, you should be stood at least 5 metres away from the bonfire. If you're going to a fire display at a local park, make sure you follow the events safety guidelines and stand where advised
4. Check for cables - Once you have found a spot for your bonfire and have made a safety barrier, you should then check for any cables above. Things like telephone lines or washing lines can get in the way of the fireworks and can become hazardous.
5. Buckets of water - Before lighting your bonfire, you should keep some buckets filled with water close to hand in the event that a fire may break out. You can also use fire extinguishers too.
6. Check behind bonfire - Another thing to check before lighting our bonfire is double checking behind the bonfire for any animals or small children who make have gone behind the display. Make sure there is nothing and no one behind it. Bonfire night can be distressing for our pets so be sure to keep them indoors, safely away from the fire and loud bangs.
7. Take care when lighting - When you have put all your gathered materials together to create the fire, be sure to take extra care when lighting. Using things such as firelighters and kindling are great for keeping you safe whilst starting a bonfire.
8. Keep flammable liquids away - You should never under any circumstances use toxic substances like petrol. aerosol cans and other flammable liquids near or on an open flame.
9. Supervise children - As well as enjoying the fireworks, you may have some sparklers you want to use too. It's important to keep everyone - especially children - safe when using sparklers. Be sure to show and explain to children how to use them correctly and how they can keep safe whilst using them. Make sure the sparklers are kept at arms length once they are lit and that everyone is wearing gloves when handling them. Once the sparklers have gone out, drop them in a bucket of water to cool off to prevent anyone accidentally picking them up. Never leave children alone with sparklers.
10. NEVER leave a bonfire unattended - Once the fire has been lit and continues to grow, you must never leave it unattended. When all the fireworks have been used and it is safe to approach the fire, use the buckets of water you got ready when setting up and use those to put the fire out. In the case that the fire becomes out of control, get as far away from the flames as possible & call 999 immediately and request the fire service. Do NOT attempt to put an unruly fire out yourself!

Last but certainly not least, have fun. Most of us look forward to seeing the sky fill with a multitude of colours & sparks and hearing the loud bangs so by following some top safety tips, everyone can have an enjoyable bonfire night.

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