STAY SAFE THIS HALLOWEEN
AND BONFIRE NIGHT
Thursday 28th October – 5.00pm – Suzie Fothergill
West Midlands Ambulance Service is urging the public to stay
safe this bonfire night.
Guy Fawkes Night is a time of fun an excitement for all, but
fireworks and bonfires inflict serious life changing injuries on
the public year in year out.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said “Unfortunately
despite warnings issued at this time of year about bonfire/firework
safety, our crews are sadly all too familiar with people who have
injured themselves in such incidents.
“Last year crews dealt with numerous incidents including hand
injuries caused to people who were holding fireworks when they
exploded, burns from bonfires after simple slips and trips, to the
more extreme cases where members the public used petrol or other
accelerants on bonfires; resulting in the fire flashing back and
causing serious burns, which can scar for life.
“An ambulance crew last year even reported having fireworks thrown
at their vehicle whilst en route to hospital. Throwing fireworks is
extremely dangerous and can cause serious injuries, luckily in this
instance no one was injured and no damage was caused to the vehicle
allowing them to safely continue their journey.”
“West Midlands Ambulance Service would like everyone to enjoy the
forthcoming weekends and to stay safe; why not think about
attending an organised firework display where possible?
“If you planning on holding a party at home, please ensure you do
so safely and follow the Firework Code* at all times.”
Halloween is another event which is becoming more and more popular
with the public. We appeal to any parents of children who are
planning on going out trick or treating to ensure they are safe at
all times.
As the evenings are getting darker earlier pedestrians are less
noticeable on the roads. If you or your children do go out whilst
dark always make sure you wear bright and if possible reflective
clothing to help drivers spot you. Ensure you cross the road in
well lit locations away from parked vehicles and corners and please
make sure you always follow the green cross code.
We also ask that parents ensure that their children remain
courteous to neighbours, especially elderly people who may live
alone and are wary of opening the door to large groups of trick or
treaters. We ask that you please respect their wishes to avoid
causing any angst and worry.
Firework Code:
- Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114 – it
means they conform to British safety Standards
- Don’t drink alcohol if setting off
fireworks.
- Keep fireworks in a closed box.
- Follow the instructions on each
firework.
- Light at arm's length, using a taper.
- Stand well back.
- Never go near a firework that has been lit.
Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
- Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw
them.
- Always supervise children around
fireworks.
- Light sparklers one at a time and wear
gloves.
- Never give sparklers to a child under
five.
- Keep pets indoors.
Useful things to have on hand at Bonfire
parties:
- Torch for checking instructions
- Bucket of water
- Eye protection and gloves
- Bucket of soft earth to stick fireworks
in
- Suitable supports for Catherine Wheels,
proper launchers for rockets
Firework Facts:
- A sparkler reaches a temperature of up to
2,000 degrees Celsius - that's 20 times the boiling point of water.
Three sparklers burning together generate the same heat as a
blow-torch
- A rocket can reach 150 miles an hour
- A firework shell can go as high as 200
metres
- The highest number of firework-related
injuries happen at family or private parties
- The most common injuries are to hands
followed by eyes and faces