NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Bonfire night is once again upon us.

The night sky bursting into a rainbow of colours, with the whizz pop sounds of fireworks, the tantalizing smell of hot dogs and taste of toffee apples by a roaring bonfire, make it a hotly anticipated night for many kids.

But, while it is a great time to gather with friends and family and have some fun, it is important to make sure that Guy Fawkes night is one to remember for the right reasons and not the wrong.

So here are some top tips to ensure that your kids stay safe, at home or at an organised display.

A sparkler can reach temperatures of 20 times the boiling point of water, so it is important that children wear gloves, hold the sparkler at arm’s length, away from faces, clothes and other people, and always have a bucket of water or sand nearby to put used sparklers in – hot end down.

Sparklers are not safe for children under 5 years, so a grown-up should always handle them. Glow sticks and necklaces or battery-operated light up toys are great alternatives for younger children.

It is recommended that you avoid fireworks at home, however, if you do wish to put on your own display, do make sure that you stick to the Fireworks Code:

Wearing loose clothing is not advised and it is important that children know how to Stop, Drop and Roll if their clothes do catch fire.

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The instinct is to run. So, encourage them to practice stopping, dropping to the ground, covering their face with their hands, and rolling over a few times to put out the flames during a safety chat before the event.

You don’t want to scare your kids, but it is vital that they understand that while it is a fun time, it can also be dangerous.

Anxious children may find it easier to watch from a distance, perhaps inside watching through a window if at home, or away from the crowds at an event, or they may like to wear ear defenders to dampen down the sound of the bangs.

Once kids realise that they can have fun and be safe though, you will have them creating some wonderful lasting memories.

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