Bonfire Night is fast approaching. This is a time which some parents can dread because they are worried about keeping their children safe on Bonfire Night. For me, Bonfire Night is not always the greatest because Jess is actually scared of loud noises. Of course, fireworks make a huge bang. Today I am going to be sharing with you some tips in order to keep your children safe this Bonfire Night. After all, you, do not want accidents and end up spending time in a&e instead of enjoying the festivities.
Earplugs/Headphones
These are something which we have found essential. As I have mentioned Jess is scared of loud noises and this means sometimes she will not want to go out and watch a display. However, in the past, we have found that if she has some headphones the over the ear earplugs this can block out the sound and she will be happy to watch. This prevents her from crying when the loud bangs start and also her wanting to block her ears. If your child is older, of course, you could try earplugs at the moment Jess' ears are too small for these so it means that we can not do this just yet. I have always purchased them from places such as Amazon because they arrive super fast and always are good quality.
Sparkler Safety Sparklers
are something which children adore and it is not hard to see why. You can make pretty patterns with them or even try and write your name. These are just a few things which we used to do as children. However, sparklers can be dangerous of course. You need to make sure that it is not too windy when you are attempting to use sparklers. If it is you are going to have to wait for another occasion to use them or the risk of injury becomes increased. You also want to make sure that everyone who is handling the sparklers has gloves on. I have even seen a tip on Facebook which states put the bottom of a sparkler into a carrot. This reduces the risk of a child getting burnt. Also, make sure that you hold the sparkler horizontally and as far away from the body as possible. Once your child has finished with the sparkler put it in a bucket of water to cool down. It is worth knowing that under 5's are not supposed to have sparklers either this is not something I knew. Also, always light sparklers one at a time this means children can control them a lot easier.
Building Your Bonfire
Make sure that you have checked there are no animals in the pile which you plan on setting alight. There have been cases where rabbits and hedgehogs have managed to get in once they have been built before been lit. You do not want to harm any wildlife while having some bonfire night fun. Also, so make sure that if you are building a bonfire that it is not too close to any houses, sheds, fences or hedges. The last thing you want is for them to go up as well. This may mean you need the firemen on an already busy night of the year for them. You child can help build the bonfire however, has to stay a safe distance away once they have been lit for their own security. Only use domestic firelighters as well when it comes to lighting the bonfire. Do not use petrol as this is too dangerous and can get out of control quickly.
Make Sure There Is Plenty Of Space
Of course, if you are going to an organised event there will be a marked out area. This means that you are a safe distance from the bonfire and also fireworks. Even if you are doing fireworks at home I would make sure that you have an area which the children are not allowed in front off. Make sure that someone stays with the children when you are lighting the fireworks in case they do actually try and run after you. The last thing you are going to want is someone getting hit or hurt by a firework. Even if you are going to and organised display make sure that you stay behind the barriers they are there for your safety.
Don’t Let Kids Help Out
This may sound like such an obvious one, however, children always want to be helpful. This is something which Jess would want to do because she always wants to be super helpful. Of course, this is not the safest. You do want to tell them that they can not help out with the firework display for their own safety. Only adults should deal with setting up firework displays and the lighting of fireworks. Children should not be asked to help out at any stage of the process when it comes to firework displays. No matter how much they may really want to be useful.
Make Sure Dressed Appropriately
This is one which is super important we have spoken about making sure your child has gloves on if they are handling sparklers. However, you also need to make sure that if wearing a scarf make sure it is tucked away. The smallest ember could start a fire make sure your children stay away from all open flames. This also goes for long hair make sure that this is tied back should they be going anyway near sparklers or a bonfire.
