When you think about it, it’s a little bizarre that we in New Zealand commemorate the foiling of a terrorist attack in England more than 400 years ago. Yet Guy Fawkes night is still popular today, thanks to the fact it’s a chance for friends and families to get together to let off fireworks.
Unfortunately, the occasion is also associated with painful injuries and damage to property. In 2016, almost 500 ACC claims were made regarding injuries due to fireworks throughout the year, and in 2015, the Fire Service received 213 callouts in November to firework-related incidences.
Often the best option for Guy Fawkes is to go to a public display where you can sit back and enjoy a huge range of fireworks, lit safely by somebody who knows what they are doing.
If you do decide to let them off yourself, remember there are bylaws in some parts of the country surrounding the use of fireworks.
In many places, there is a ban on letting fireworks off in public places, such as reserves, parks and beaches – you can only do it on private property. Check with your local council.
Other tips to ensure safety around fireworks include:
• Store and carry your fireworks safely. Keep them out of the reach of young children in a sealed box or bag until you are ready to let them off. Keep them away from heat and flames.
• Read the instructions for lighting your fireworks when you get them, and again just before you set them off. Make sure you have a good source of light to read them with, such as a torch, not a naked flame.
• Choose a safe place. Make sure there is plenty of open space and fireworks are away from buildings, outdoor furniture, vehicles, dry grass or anything that could catch fire.
• Think twice about letting off fireworks if it is windy.
• Have a hose, bucket of water or fire extinguisher handy in case of fire.
• Make sure animals are kept inside. Visit them frequently to comfort them if they need it. Leaving the TV or music on can help to drown out the noise of the fireworks. Let neighbours with pets know if you are planning a fireworks party.
• Enforce the rule that fireworks should only be lit by responsible adults. Remember, too much alcohol and fireworks can be a dangerous combination.
• Put the fireworks in dirt, sand or on a firm, flat surface. Light them at arm’s length and then stand well back. Never point them towards another person or throw lit fireworks.
• Keep an eye on small children at all times.
• If a firework doesn’t go off, give it 15 minutes before approaching it and drenching it with water. Never try to re-light a firework that doesn’t go off.
• Put used fireworks in a metal bucket full of water or sand and keep it away from buildings or flammable materials. Dispose of them the next day.
• In case of burns, hold the affected area under cold running water for at least 20 minutes.
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