Fireworks can be great fun - but it's really important to follow safety rules to avoid seriously bad accidents.…
Fireworks and the Law
It's illegal to buy fireworks if you're under 18 years old, because they can be very dangerous if they're not handled correctly.
Also, if you see people throwing fireworks in the street, tell a grown up straight away. Throwing a firework in the street or in a public place is a criminal offence and the maximum find is £5,000.
Garden Display versus Organised Display
Fireworks cause many injuries each year at garden displays, so it's best to go along to an organised display. Not only is it safer, but you'll get to see a lot more fireworks at an organised display. At organised displays, the fireworks are often arranged to go off in time to music. You wouldn't be able to safely manage that sort of display in your garden!
The Lowdown on Sparklers
Sparklers cause more injuries than air-bombs, bangers, rockets and Roman candles combined. So if the grown up looking after you allows you to hold a sparkler, make sure you wear gloves and be sensible. Don't wave your sparkler around where there are other people.
Be really careful when those sparks stop because your sparkler will still be very, very hot! So make sure you put the hot end of the sparkler in a bucket of water and don't just leave it lying around.
Remind your Parents of the Firework Code
Only adults should light fireworks.
Never give sparklers to children under the age of 5.
