Firework safety tips for Guy Fawkes Night
Published on Wed Oct 31 2018 in Family
Guy Fawkes Night is a New Zealand tradition brought to the country by British settlers. Whilst our celebrations have little to do with the infamous “Gunpowder Plot,” it is a fun way to kick off the summer season with family and friends.
A popular way of celebrating is with fireworks, either setting them off at home or attending a public display put on by your local council. Both can be a lot of fun, so long as a few safety precautions are taken!
Storing fireworks
Fireworks sales are restricted to the three days up to Guy Fawkes. Many people buy extras and store them for New Year’s Eve or other cultural celebrations. Proper storage will help prevent injury or fire.
Always keep unused fireworks in their original packaging. Store them in a dry place, away from heat sources or anything that could accidentally ignite them. They should also be kept away from flammable materials, like petrol or paint.
Finally, consider storing your fireworks in a locked container or cabinet. This way, children cannot find or light them without proper supervision.
Using fireworks
Lighting a few fireworks may seem like innocent fun, but it can be dangerous. Following a few safety tips can lower your chances of accidents or injury.
Always follow the instructions printed on fireworks, either reading them beforehand in a well-lit area or bringing a torch outside with you. Only light them in wide open areas away from anything that could catch fire, preferably in dirt or sand. It’s dangerous to relight dud fireworks, so leave them be.
Fireworks should only be lit by adults, never children. Anyone lighting them should not be drinking alcohol or using drugs at the time. Finally, keep a large bucket of water or garden hose handy to help put out fires or treat burns.
Fireworks & children
Kids may love watching fireworks, but it’s important to be extra mindful of safety when they’re around.
If you’re lighting your own fireworks, leave this job to the adults. Keep an eye on young children during your celebrations, making sure they stand well away from the firework area.
Attending a public display is a popular option for many families. However, the noise created by commercial firework displays may damage little ears . Consider buying a pair of noise cancelling muffs. This way, children can enjoy the light show whilst protecting their hearing.
Fireworks & pets
Animals can have an especially tough time around Guy Fawkes night. They’re unable to understand what’s going on and may be frightened by the noise and lights.
It’s important to never light fireworks near or in the direction of animals. Keep your pets safely contained around Guy Fawkes and New Year’s. Fireworks may make them panic and try to escape, so consider keeping them indoors and closing the curtains.
If possible, at least one family member should stay home to keep your pet company. Try to act as normal as possible, as comforting them could make things worse. Should your pet hide somewhere (like under a chair, in a cupboard or in a closet), let them be. Trying to coax them out could upset them further.
Turn your backyard into a family fun zone with these great ideas!
About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.
The content provided in this article is for information purposes only. The information is of a general nature and does not constitute financial advice or other professional advice. To the extent that any of the content constitutes financial advice, it is limited to Momentum Life products only and does not consider your specific financial needs or goals. You should consider whether the information is appropriate for you and seek independent professional advice, if required.
All product information is correct at the time this article was published. For current product information, please visit the Momentum Life website.