Bonfires

You can celebrate with fireworks in the comfort of your own garden or on private land (with the landowner's permission) but you and your guests need to remember to take care.

• Fireworks must be stored safely somewhere cool and dry, out of reach of children, animals and sources of heat or fire
• Warn your neighbours so they can take their washing in, close windows and keep their pets indoor
• Only buy fireworks from reputable dealers - fireworks should have the product safety marking BS7114 or equivalent and carry a CE mark
• Fire works cannot be let off between 11pm and 7am except on: Bonfire Night (5 November) until midnight, New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year until 1 am
• Fireworks must only be handled and lit by responsible adults
• Use a torch to read the instructions in the dark not a naked flame
• Light fireworks at arm's length, using a taper
• When watching fireworks stand well back
• Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn't gone off, it could still explode
• If any fireworks hasn't gone off after at least half an hour, soak it in water to prevent it reigniting
• Hold sparklers one at a time in gloved hands at arm's length and when it goes out put it end down in a bucket of water
• Pick up spent firework cases using tongs or heatproof gloves, they can still be dangerous