Fireworks warning for Diwali and bonfire night (From Watford Observer)

Fireworks warning for Diwali and bonfire night

9:10am Wednesday 14th October 2009 in Community

WITH Diwali this weekend and bonfire night following in a few weeks the fire service has issued a timely warning about care with fireworks.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued a ten-point plan on how to handle fireworks safely and is circulating posters to remind revellers to exercise caution.

The service advises:

• Never throw discarded fireworks onto bonfires, put them in a bucket of water
• Don't get too close to fireworks
• Never go back to a firework once it has been lit
• Keep firworks in a closed metal box
• Don't play around with fireworks or bonfires
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket
• Never give sparklers to anyone under five
• Supervise over fives with sparklersV
• Sparklers shoul;d only be lit one at a time
• Wear gloves, hold sparklers at arms length, do not touch the end when it goes out and place in a bucket of water.

The posters also warn about the dangers of making hoax calls.

Spokesman Nick Ashman said: "All calls are traced, even from mobiles, and could result in a criminal record.

"If we get hoax calls it means we are not available to protect the public. We are here to protect the public - that includes you, your family and your friends."

For fire safety information telephone 01923 471399 of Freephone 0800 587 3347.