Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 24/10/2008 10:50

Cornwall County Fire Brigade is working with Morrisons Supermarkets in Liskeard, Bodmin and Newquay to ensure that people follow the firework code this Bonfire Night.

Fireworks at home can be great fun, as long as they are used safely & responsibly. Firefighters will be in store on 1st November to offer advice and help on how to make sure your firework night goes off with a bang – and without any injuries.

Chief Fire Officer Matt Littmoden explains, “It’s a fact that the highest number of firework related injuries happen at family or private parties. Not only that, but around half of all injuries happen to children under the age of 17 – the most common injuries being to hands followed by eyes and faces. Most people don’t realise that something as small as a sparkler can be very dangerous, reaching temperatures of up to 2000°C which is 20 times hotter than boiling water.”

There are a few simple rules to follow on firework night which firefighters will be on hand to talk shoppers through, along with handing out information leaflets. One of the main messages this year is that if you buy fireworks, make sure that they conform to the British Standard (BS 7114 written on the box).

Executive Member for Public Protection, Ken Yeo (Lib Dem), says, “I hope that the presence of our Firefighters at the events in Newquay, Liskeard and Bodmin help to raise everyone’s awareness of the dangers and serious outcomes, if instructions on fireworks are not adhered to. I would encourage people to attend organised displays where possible, but where people do have their own fireworks parties to designate someone to oversee the event for the enjoyment of everyone. By going out into local communities and educating the public about firework safety, our firefighters can make sure it’s a safer fireworks night for everyone.”

For more information about how to be safe when using fireworks please contact Cornwall County Fire Brigade on 01872 273117 or at www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire and click on the fireworks links on the homepage.



- Ends –


Notes to Editors:

The Firework Code - follow these guidelines to keep everyone safe at your firework display

· Only buy fireworks that are marked BS7114 – 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 and be sure they are suitable for home use

· 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.


For further information about firework safety from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) visit www.BERR.gov.uk/fireworks.

The Child Accident Prevention Trust website also has useful tips on keeping children safe. Visit www.capt.org.uk

Further information for retailers about storage and selling of fireworks is available on the Health & Safety Executive website www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/fireworks

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=2057