Bonfire Night at Home

from Worcestershire Now - OCTOBER 2020

Children Adjust to the “New Normal” to Keep Fit and Well

While large gatherings at home may be on hold for now, you can still get into the spirit and celebrate bonfire night this November. Bonfire Night at Home CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

Whether, you’re looking at getting rid of old garden waste, or commemorating the failure of the Gunpowder Plot, we take a look at how you can safely build a bonfore this November 5th.

On November 5th people across the UK will be celebrating with fireworks, bonfires and sparklers. While most towns and villages may have their displays cancelled this year, many families may be inclined to celebrate at home, making their own bonfires and even placing their home-made ‘Guy’ doll on top of the fire

It goes without saying that fire is extremely dangerous. Building a fire should be done with care and consideration, not only for your safety, but for those who live nearby. Make sure that beforehand, you alert your neighbours and make sure that it’s not a warm day when they’re likely to be their gardens.

Check that there aren’t any telephone wires or cables above the bonfire; as a rule, the bonfore should be a minimum of five times it’s height from the property. Build the bonfore away from fences, trees and any wooden outbuildings like sheds. Be aware of any small animals, like hedgehogs or birds that may have crawled into the bonfire for shelter.

Make sure the material you are burning is dry. Damp wood causes more smoke. Never use flammable liquids to start a bonfire, and never burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture, or batteries.

Don’t leave bonfires unattended and keep children and pets away from them. An adult should alway be on hand it until it has burnt out. If it has to be left, damp it down with plenty of water. In case of emergencies, always keep a bucket of water on hand to extinguish any out of control embers

If you have any fireworks at home, do not throw them; used or unused into the fire, alongwith aerosols, tyres, or any paint tins. They can produce toxic fumes and some may explode.

Bonfire night, for decades wouldn’t be complete without a spectacular firework display. Organised propertly and with safety in mind, a wondrous display of fireworks to celebrate an occasion such as Bonfire Nght,

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can be entertaining for young and old alike. However fireworks can cause extensive air pollution in a short amount of time, leaving metal particles, dangerous toxins, harmful chemicals and smoke in the air for hours and days. Not mentioning the fear and dred placed upon pets and their owners during firework season.

If you are planning fireworks at home, why not try these alternatives:

Glow sticks: Perfect for night time fun and come in a variety of different colours

Firecracker Pinata: Build a papier mache pinata in the shape of a firecracker. Fill with sweets, themed gifts, even the aforementioned glowsticks.

Fireless Fireworks: You can make your own party poppers with recycled toilet rolls, balloons and confetti. Simple attach the end of a balloon onto one end of a toilet roll, fill the toilet roll with colourful tissue paper, pull back the balloon and POP, your very own party popper.

Video Firework Show: If you’re feeling really technical, you could watch a pre-recorded firework show and play it on a projector in the back garden, against a wall or fence.

If you are thinking of buying fireworks to set off in your home, there are some simple rules to follow: • Don’t drink alcohol if you’re setting off fireworks • Store fireworks in a closed, metal box and take out one at a time • Keep a bucket of water nearby • Follow the instructions on each firework and light them at arm’s length, using the taper provided • Make sure everyone stands well back • Don’t go back to a firework that is lit - even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode • Don’t put fireworks in your pocket • Don’t throw fireworks • Always supervise children around fireworks, don’t give sparklers to a child under five • Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves • Keep pets indoors • Take care around open flames such as bonfires and barbecues - all clothes, even those labelled ‘low flammability’, can catch fire. • Only build a bonfire in your own garden,

Worcestershire Council will remove bonfires built on open land

The law says you must not set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places.

You must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight; New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am. Check with Worcestershire Council to find out about any local rules for setting off fireworks.

You can only buy fireworks (including sparklers) from registered sellers for private use on these dates: 15 October to 10 November, 26 to 31 December, 3 days before Diwali and Chinese New Year. At other times you can only buy fireworks from licensed shops.

You can be fined up to £5,000 and imprisoned for up to 6 months for selling or using fireworks illegally. You could also get an onthe-spot fine of £90.

Most of all, have fun, but be safe!

By Daisy Bennett

Take care around open flames such as bonfires and barbecues - all clothes, even those labelled ‘low flammability’, can catch fire

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