Guy Fawkes safety checklist 

Source: Reuters

Each year when Guy Fawkes is celebrated around New Zealand emergency services are stretched to their limits with fireworks callouts and hospital emergency departments with many burns and eye injuries as a result. That is why it is so important to remain safe when using fireworks.

Here are some guidelines for the safe use of fireworks:

-Choose a safe place to let off your fireworks. Make sure it is an open space where there is nothing that could catch fire.

-Have a good supply of water nearby.

-Keep fireworks away from children and make sure they are stored in a safe place away from children, heat and flames.

-Make sure the fireworks are only lit by adults and children stand well clear.

-Read the instructions on the fireworks carefully before heading out to light them.

-Stand the fireworks in dirt, or sand or a firm surface. Do not throw them as this can endanger other people.

-Light the fireworks at arms length and then stand well back.

-Keep clear of fireworks that have been lit but have not gone off.

-Keep children and animals away from the fireworks at all times.

-Have a first aid kit nearby in case an accident occurs and make sure a phone is handy in case of an emergency.

-Fireworks and alcohol and drugs are a bad combination.

-Keep all unlit fireworks in the bag until you are ready to light them.

-Never point any fireworks in the direction of people.