Remember, Remember: Stay Safe This Bonfire Night

The weather is colder and Christmas is not far off, which can only mean that Bonfire Night is just around the corner!

On the night of 5th November, all around us magical displays of colour and sound will explode in the night sky. Amazing eh? Absolutely, but Bonfire Night can also be very dangerous, whether you're at a public display or setting off a few rockets in your garden.

Check out our useful tips below on how you can have a safe – and enjoyable! – Bonfire Night with the family.

Sparklers – Handle With Care

Kids love sparklers because of the bright lights, fizzing displays and the patterns they can create in front of their eyes.

However they're simply unsuitable for children of a certain age. Kids under the age of 5 should not have a sparkler of their own. Any of your little ones that do hold a sparkler should also wear a hat & gloves too, as sparklers can reach temperatures of up to 2000°C! Ouch!

Make sure to fully supervise children while they're holding sparklers, and don’t let them run around the garden or pick up a used one.

Make sure you have a bucket of water close by to pop the sparklers in once they have finished sparkling!

B&M Top Tip: if you're throwing your own firework display at home, don't leave all the WOW factor to the rockets. Guests will love this warming and indulgent Toffee Apple Bread & Butter Pudding recipe!

Stand Back & Enjoy the Fireworks

Failure to properly read the instructions of each firework could result in an unwated trip to A&E. So it's vital when lighting your fireworks, to do so at arm's length and make sure you’re wearing gloves – they’re even more dangerous than sparklers!

It goes without saying as well, but don’t allow any children near the lighting process, and make sure everyone is stood well back throughout.

Should a firework malfunction or fall over before setting off, being a fair distance back provides a lot more safety and protection for all involved.

If a firework doesn't shoot off straightaway after being ignited, stay back and do not approach as it could still explode.

Here are a few quick-fire tips to keep in mind this Bonfire Night:

• DON'T put fireworks in your pocket
• NEVER throw fireworks
• DON'T drink alcohol if handling/lighting fireworks
• DON'T point fireworks at anyone

Don't Forget Your Pets

Bonfire Night is a fun night for the family, especially children, but it can often be a scary and anxious experience for pets.

Put yourself in their paws; they can hear enormous bangs and noises outside but have no idea what they are! As far as they're concerned there is something unfamiliar and potentially dangerous happening, and this can be a distressing experience.

Make sure your pets are indoors, are as relaxed as possible and have a 'safe space' like a comfortable bed to retreat to (you could even create a safe haven for them under your bed with the duvet hanging over the end). Close all the curtains so they don’t see all of the flashing from fireworks in the sky, and turn the television on. The sound should drown out any loud bangs.

B&M Top Tip: You could also try using Calming Spot for Dogs and Cats. It helps to reduce stress and calms them down  – perfect for using on Bonfire Night.

And last but not least, enjoy yourselves!

Do you know have Bonfire Night safety tips? If so, let the B&M community know on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.