Tomorrow is the 5th November and traditionally we remember the failed gunpowder plot of 1605 against England’s Houses of Parliament with ‘Bonfire night’.

As a child I fondly remember the Rhyme that reminds us of Guy Faulks defeat in the plot:

“Remember, remember, the Fifth of November, Gunpowder treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot…”

And we haven’t, but what I don’t want you to remember about “Bonfire night” is if it all went horribly wrong!

Although we are into our 2nd lockdown of the year, fireworks are being sold and bought and I just wanted to talk a little bit about what we can do to keep ourselves safe tomorrow if we are going to indulge in fireworks and sparklers at home.

Remember, for the majority of the year, it is illegal to set off fireworks and sparklers between 11pm and 7am. However, there is a 1-hour extension on Bonfire night until midnight.

Adults should always be in charge of setting up and lighting the fireworks display, this will also include the safe disposal afterwards. All children and young people should be supervised and be able to view the display from a safe distance.

We can still have fun but follow some of this guidance to keep you injury free.

Keep fireworks in a closed box, use them one at a time and only use fireworks that carry a CE mark.
Read and follow the instructions on each firework, use a torch not a naked flame! Remember no to smoke around fireworks.
Use a taper when lighting fireworks, this will keep you at arm’s length, once lit stand back, never return to the firework if it has been lit!
Do not throw fireworks or keep them in your pocket!
Make sure that fireworks are let off in a safe direction and well away from spectators.
Do not use paraffin or petrol to assist you in getting the bonfire alight.
When you have finished make sure that everything is extinguished correctly.

sparklers

Every child (and adult) loves a sparkler, but we must remember that these burn at a very high temperature. 1000 -1600 Deg. C!
It is recommended that sparklers are not given to under-5s
If handling sparklers ideally everyone should wear gloves
You could place the sparkler into a carrot or other root vegetable, this will put more distance between the used and the heat. (Fun suggestion)
Hold sparklers at arm’s length while being lit and light them one at a time not in multiples to save time!
Don’t wave sparklers about close to other people
Do not hold a baby in your arms while you are holding a sparkler
When the sparkler has finished put it in a bucket of cold water.

emergency first aid

By following some simple guidance, you will then enjoy a memorable Bonfire night for the right reasons.

So, lastly let’s talk about what to do if it does go wrong!

STOP, DROP, ROLL

Remember these three simple but effective words if your clothing does catch fire, Stop, don’t run, your instinct will want you to run away this can make the fire worse!
Drop to the floor, face down and extend arms to the front of your body. Now Roll, keep rolling until the flames have been extinguished! This is the most effective way of dealing with clothing fire!

STOP, DROP, ROLL

first aid for burns

Cool the affected area for at least 20 min under running water.
Remove and constrictions like rings, watches if safe to do so.
Cover the wound with a nonfluffy dressing or clingfilm.
Seek medical assistance for children and adults with burns, especially burns to the face, hand, feet and genital areas.
Treat for shock.
Do not pop blisters.
Do not remove anything that is stuck to the wound.

For more information on first aid for families get in contact with me at info@iesafetytraining.com or to buy the Infant and child 1st aid course for parents, grandparents and babysitters follow this link

http://bit.ly/1staidforparents