Autumn Winter 2016 2016:2 | Page 28

Fireworks Safety A few things to remember... With Diwali, Hallowe’en, Bonfire night, Christmas, and many more celebrations, come fireworks. Please bear in mind the following tips if you are planning on taking your little ones to watch: - Know your child. Only you know how your child will cope with a later bedtime, lots of people, the dark, the cold, and loud bangs. Use your instincts to judge whether you really need to go! - Wrap up warm (you, too!) - Consider getting some ear defenders for your little one. Loud bangs can be really scary! - Try not to dress in synthetic (flammable) clothes. Even if you’re not near the fireworks, a stray sparkler, or hot ash from the bonfire could start a fire. A lot of fancy dress clothes have proven to be highly flammable, as they don’t have to adhere to the same safety standards of regular children’s clothes. - Have some water handy, just in case. - Supervise children with sparklers. - Keep behind the barriers - organisers should know where you should stand to be at a safe distance. - Tell your children where to meet you in case they get lost. (Or tell them to find a mum with children and ask for help). Enjoy the show! 27