Remember, remember, the fifth of November.
Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable #BonfireNight this evening. Wrap up warm.
The classic verse that many of us remember from our childhood days…
“Remember, remember, the fifth of November.
Gunpowder, treason and plot.”
I see no reason, why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.”
Try and explain that to a pre-schooler or a reception child. Or the back story of this rhyme and the history that surrounds Guy Fawkes without sending fear into them. Let alone discuss the rationale of people sending fireworks into the night sky in answer to the ‘why’ question, or make reference to the effigy strapped to the top of a burning furnace in the local school or park!
Fireworks night, Guy Fawkes night, Bonfire night, whatever you choose to call it, sadly isn’t a single night. We normally have to endure a week-long public demonstration of neighbours boasting the length of duration and the loudest decible level of their back garden firework display. You can quickly see the appeal of wanting to attend a more organised event though, knowing there is less chance of wayward rockets coming your way whilst eating a hotdog or burger and holding a sparkler.
Which brings us back to keeping kids safe on Bonfire Night. The little cherished ones are likely tucked up in bed now, but it’s worth reiterating what you probably already know in case you are organising your own event this weekend.
Fireman Sam’s Top 10 Safety Tips for Bonfire Night
Here’s Fireman Sam with this his top tips to keep safe on Bonfire Night.
Bonfire Dos and Don’ts
- Site bonfire well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs AND ALWAYS AWAY FROM FIREWORKS.
- Build the bonfire stack so that it is stable and never light with flammable liquids.
- Keep everyone away from the fire, especially children who must be supervised at all times, and pets who are best kept indoors.
- In case of an emergency, keep buckets of water, the garden hose or a fire extinguisher ready.
- Pour water on the embers before leaving.
Firework Dos and Don’ts
- Keep fireworks in a closed metal box and take them out one at a time.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on each firework. Read them by torchlight – NEVER a naked flame.
- Light fireworks at arm’s length using a safety firework lighter or fuse wick. NEVER go back to a lit firework.
- Always wear gloves when handling sparklers and hold at arm’s length. Once finished, put in a bucket of water.
- Never give sparklers to children under 5.
Our Top Tip
Find your local organised event this weekend, buy some ear defenders, and go and enjoy yourself. It’s a lot less stressful too. You might come back with a neon flashy light, which the kids will love now the evenings are getting darker.
Keep safe,
My Wooden Railway Team
