HAVE fun but don't let your children get hurt - that's the advice from fire chiefs as Bonfire Night looms.

Oxfordshire County Council's fire service is issuing guidance to families to make sure that everyone has a good time on Sunday, November 5, without getting hurt.

Firefighters have issued the warning because more than 350 pre-school children in the UK, some only a year old, have been treated in hospital for fireworks injuries during the past five years. There have been no major accidents in the county in recent years.

Peter Cleary, the fire service's risk reduction manager, said: "Having fireworks at home can be great fun as long as they are used safely.

"Sadly, figures show that more children than adults get hurt by fireworks. As part of our ongoing 365 Alive safety campaign we are offering advice to families so they can enjoy themselves and stay safe at the same time."

Firefighters say fireworks should always be bought from a reputable shop to make sure that they conform to British Standards - they should have BS 7114 written on the box.

Residents are also being reminded that fireworks should never be bought from car boot sales, unlicensed market stalls or the back of a van.

And sparklers can get five times hotter than cooking oil - they are not toys and shouldn't be given to children under the age of five.

Ray Jelf, the county council's cabinet member for community safety, said: "If everyone observes these simple guidelines they will be able to enjoy their family bonfires without experiencing a tragic accident on the night. Children love fireworks but it is up to their parents to keep them safe."

Government legislation states:

  • It is an offence for the under 18s to possess fireworks in a public place
  • It is also an offence for anyone to let fireworks off after 11pm (except on 5 November when they can be set off until midnight, and New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali when they can be set off until 1am)
  • It is also an offence to throw or set off fireworks in a street or public place.

What you need on the night

  • It's best to prepare in advance and in daylight. Have the following close by on the night:
  • A torch
  • A bucket or two of water
  • Eye protection and gloves
  • A bucket of soft earth to put fireworks in
  • suitable supports and launchers for Catherine wheels and rockets.

Common sense rules

  • Never drink alcohol if you are setting off fireworks or in charge of the bonfire
  • Keep fireworks in a closed box
  • Follow the instructions on each firework
  • Light them at arm's length, using a taper
  • Stand well back
  • Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
  • Never go near a firework that has been lit - even if it has not gone off it could still explode
  • Always supervise children around fireworks
  • Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
  • Never give sparklers to children under five
  • Keep pets indoors