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Bang Out of Order: How do I stay safe on Bonfire Night?

Curriculum for Life editorial team
Curriculum for Life editorial team
Greater Manchester’s emergency services have come together to launch a campaign, urging communities to be safe over Bonfire Night.
A dark background with fire and sparks in the foreground
someone taking a photograph of a firework display

Whether going to an organised display or something more low key at a friend’s or family member’s house, Bonfire Night is a fun evening in the year a lot of people look forward to. However, fireworks and bonfire can be very dangerous when not used and enjoyed in the correct way. Last year Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Services and Greater Manchester Police recorded the following anti social instances:

  • 22 attacks on firefighters
  • Police and firefighters received over 1000 hoax calls
  • 1,167 fires were started deliberately
  • There were 10,036 incidents of Anti Social Behaviour (ASB)

All of these instances stop the emergency services from dealing with other emergencies. See top tips for staying safe below, for staying safe around fireworks and bonfires:

  1. Ideally attend organised displays, leave it to the professionals and enjoy the show!
  2. Stand at least 5 metres back from a bonfire or where fireworks are being set off
  3. Never touch a bonfire or fireworks, only an adult who knows what they are doing should light and manage these
  4. Always wear gloves when using sparklers and hold them at arms length
  5. Keep a bucket of water nearby at all times
  6. Fireworks must not be sold to any person under the age of 18
  7. Keep pets indoors
  8. Fireworks must only be used during certain times. Fireworks must not be set off between midnight and 7am
Kate Green, Deputy Mayor, Safer and Stronger Communities

“We know that most people in Greater Manchester will enjoy the Halloween and Bonfire period safely and respectfully. Unfortunately, there will be a minority causing distress to residents, communities and emergency services through their anti-social behaviour, hoax calls that distract firefighters from attending more serious incidents, and attacks on emergency service workers who are trying to help.”

Protect pets and local wildlife

Obviously fireworks can create a lot of loud noises which can cause distress to animals, so it is important that we look after them during the evening of, and the run up to Bonfire Night.

Cats can get scared from the sudden bangs, meaning they can run off, so it might be a good idea to bring your cat inside early on the days and day of Bonfire Night.

Dogs are very sensitive to loud bangs, so avoid walking your dog on the evening of when fireworks will be likely set off. Try keeping your house as quiet as possible, build them a den, shut the curtains and put some calming music on for them to listen to.

With outside pets like guinea pigs and rabbits, it may be a good idea to bring them inside, try sound proofing cages with an extra breathable blanket on top, or give them a bit of extra bedding to bunker down in.

Keep an eye out for hedgehogs! A bonfire full of twigs, branches and leaves can look like a tempting house for a hedgehog, so before bonfires are lit, ask an adult to quickly check for any hiding!

Find out more

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