Remember, remember take care on the fifth of November.

Fireworks night is one of the most enjoyable but, when you come to think of it, odder of British traditions. Every fifth of November we remember what was really a foiled terrorist attack by Guy Fawkes and his colleagues on the Houses of Parliament in the Gunpowder Plot of 1606. And we do so by setting light to an effigy or guy and placing it atop a bonfire. Kids collect ‘money for the guy’ and families and communities spend a great deal of money on fireworks to light up the sky and the often cold winter night. The occasional glass of beer or hot punch has been known to be consumed too…

It’s all great fun, but there can be a darker side too. RoSPA reports that in 2005, there were almost a thousand (990) firework injuries in Great Britain, over half of those at families’ homes or private parties. Almost a third resulted in hospitalisation and some resulted in serious burns or eye injuries.

RoSPA publishes some very useful safety advice on its website (www.rospa.com/homesafety/advice/fireworks/index.htm) and below is its Top Ten Safety Code. Where children are present, even greater care needs to be taken.

RoSPA’s Top Ten Firework Safety Code for Adults

1. Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable.
2. Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time.
3. Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary.
4. Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back.
5. Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
6. Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
7. Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
8. Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.
9. Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.
10. Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.

Did you know?

• The Chinese probably first used fireworks – over 2000 years ago.
• James II knighted his fireworks master after a particularly excellent display at his coronation in 1685.

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