Welsh Icons News | Bonfire night

Bonfire night is a great annual event that can be enjoyed by the whole family. But, to be able to enjoy the night to its fullest, it’s crucial that you follow some health and safety guidelines that will ensure the safety and enjoyment of your family, friends and neighbours.

Remember fireworks are explosives and the injuries they can cause, especially to the eyes, can be devastating. Unfortunately each year around a thousand people are injured by fireworks in Britain. But that doesn’t mean everyone should cancel the fireworks and pour water on the bonfire. What’s needed is some good planning and a level head on the night.

We advise that you try to attend an organised display, as they are safer and more spectacular than having a garden party – there will be many held on Bonfire night.

There are displays being held at:
Penrhos Beach, Holyhead
Beaumaris Pier
Plas Newydd, Llanfairpwll

These displays have been very successful in recent years and the fireworks and atmosphere are second to none.
If you are considering holding a garden party or a firework display at home – please consider the following.

it is illegal to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am except in the following cases: November 5th (until midnight) or New Years Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali (all until 1am the following day)
never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
never throw spent fireworks on a bonfire
take care around bonfires – all clothes, even those labelled ‘low flammability’, can catch fire
read the instructions on your fireworks in advance so you know what you need to do.
locate any bonfire away from trees or other buildings such as fences or garden sheds to avoid sparks setting them alight.
wait until the last minute before you build your bonfire. If you build it before hand, small animals could burrow into it. Make sure that no animal has made its home in your bonfire before you light it on fire
do not use petrol or paraffin to light your bonfire.
have a bucket of water handy in case of an emergency. You can also put any used sparklers in it.
have a torch so you can safely read the instructions on the firework. Light fireworks at arm’s length, using a taper.
do not drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
keep fireworks in a closed metal box
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
retailers have to have a licence to sell all year round
the age limit for buying fireworks is 18. Sparklers can be sold to people 16 years and over
it is illegal to let fireworks off in a public place, such as a street or public park
it is illegal to sell fireworks from premises not registered / licensed with the local authority

Please be considerate of your neighbours

be considerate of others. Remember, firework noise may cause a lot of distress to neighbours, especially the visually impaired and their guide dogs, the elderly, shift workers and those with young children
make sure you buy fireworks that have a visual, rather than a noisy effect to reduce noise disturbance
firework noise is never localised. Warn as many neighbours as possible in advance so that they have an opportunity to make arrangements for nervous pets, children etc. Pay particular attention to any vulnerable neighbours such as the blind, visually impaired or elderly

Think of your pets and local wildlife

try to bring hutches and cages for small pets inside
move your animals to the quietest part of your property or, if possible, move them to a quieter location altogether
walk dogs early in the day and make sure cats are in the house
make sure your animals can’t escape from the house if they become distressed
provide a safe and secure environment with bedding, toys etc. Draw the curtains and put the TV or radio on
try to stable horses to stop them bolting

Sparklers

Sparklers are fun, but always remember to: