Youngsters lead the way on firework safety advice

The Primary School children were asked to design posters that emphasised that fireworks are about fun – but also about safety for both people and animals as well as being subject to strict laws.

The winners will see their work reproduced as posters and distributed throughout Oxfordshire ready for the 2016 firework campaign.

Winners will be judged at a special ceremony on the morning of November 2.

Bonfire night safety

Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service are encouraging residents to attend a professionally organised display. Many of these raise money for charity and are a great way to enjoy Bonfire Night safely.

For people planning on holding their own fireworks party the advice is to always follow the fireworks code. Follow the top tips on how to have a fun and safe Bonfire Night.

Always remember to follow the fireworks code

Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114.
Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
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 go near a firework that has been lit.
Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
Always supervise children around fireworks.
Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
Never give sparklers to a child under five.
Keep pets indoors.
Don’t let off noisy fireworks after 11pm.

Bonfire Night parties wouldn’t be the same without a bonfire so before lighting the fire, check its construction carefully to make sure that it is stable, and that there are no children or animals inside.

Make one person responsible for the bonfire, and allow only that person and designated helpers into the bonfire area. Make sure your bonfire is at least 18 metres (60ft) away from houses, trees, hedges, fences or sheds. Only clean dry timber should be burned.

Bonfire safety advice

Use domestic firelighters to light your bonfire
Keep some buckets of water nearby
Do not use petrol, paraffin, diesel or other flammable liquids to light your bonfire

Never burn aerosols, batteries, bottles , foam-filled furniture, tins of paint or tyres

Councillor Rodney Rose, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council said: “We would strongly advise you to attend an organised display. Many of these raise money for charity and are the safest option if you want to enjoy a fireworks display.”

Richard Webb, Trading Standards and Community Safety Manager for Oxfordshire County Council said: “The majority of accidents connected to fireworks involve children and young people – we all want to enjoy fireworks, but everybody needs to know that they can be dangerous, and must be handled properly”.

“In making these fantastic pieces of artwork, children get to understand some important firework safety messages – as well as getting the chance for their work to be featured as part of a county wide poster campaign.”

“Three quarters of accidents connected to fireworks involve children and young people – we obviously all want to enjoy fireworks but everybody needs to know that they can be dangerous if not handled properly”.

Details of the presentation

The finalists will attend a special presentation at County Hall in Oxford at 10:30am on Monday, November 2 with winners announced at 11am in two categories – four to seven year olds and eight to 11 year olds. Cllr Ian Hudspeth, the leader of Oxfordshire County Council, will be present along with a number of other county councillors. Reporters and photographers are welcome to attend.