Bonfire Night is just around the corner. With no public events this year, the best advice would be to not have a bonfire or fireworks at home at all. However, if you are planning to have any outdoor celebrations, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service is urging the public to be sensible and reduce the strain on its crews and its colleagues in the health service.
Group Manager Steve Duffield explained how 2020 will be different to previous years:
"This has been an unprecedented year in so many ways. It is usually a great time to attend a spectacular public display with family and friends, but Covid has sadly put paid to these events.
"Bonfire Night also now falls just as we are moving into lockdown, so the opportunities to attend parties at friends or neighbours have also been removed. We would therefore urge the public to be sensible and, if they are planning on a small family celebration at home, to follow all Covid related guidelines on social distancing and not mixing households and follow our safety tips.
"Please don't make Bonfire Night memorable for all the wrong reasons."
Follow these simple tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening:
Bonfires
• Keep everyone at a safe distance from anything burning
• Always have anything burning on a safe surface away from the house, fences, sheds or trees etc.
• Always check bonfires for nesting animals and other wildlife before lighting
• Whoever is supervising the fire should not drink alcohol
• Never leave bonfires unattended
• Always have water or sand handy in case the fire becomes large
• If the fire becomes out of control, call 999 immediately. Do not try to tackle it yourself
Bonfire guidelines
• Only burn dry materials
• Never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres, or anything containing plastic, foam or paint
• Items such as these should be taken to a council run waste facility
• Never use highly flammable liquids to light bonfires
• Never put aerosols or pressurised containers on a bonfire
Fireworks
• Keep everyone at a safe distance during celebrations
• If your clothes do catch fire STOP, DROP and ROLL
• Never leave fireworks unattended
• Keep fireworks in a metal box with a lid
• Use a torch to read instructions – never a candle or lighter!
• Use a taper to light fireworks
• Never go back to a firework once it has been lit
• Keep pets inside during bonfire and firework celebrations
• If using sparklers, always wear gloves
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