🎆 Bonfire Night Safety Advice | Greater Manchester Police 🎆

🎆 Bonfire Night Safety Advice | Greater Manchester Police 🎆

Bonfire Night is a time for families, friends and communities to come together and enjoy the celebrations. Whether you're attending an organised display or celebrating at home, we want everyone to stay safe and enjoy the evening responsibly.

Why not use our Bonfire Night word search as a conversation starter with children and young people before attending an event?

Attending an organised fireworks display?

✅ Keep children well away from bonfires and fireworks.

✅ Arrange a meeting point in case someone becomes separated from your group.

✅ Take a recent photo of your child before the event. This can help staff and emergency services if they become lost.

✅ Follow any safety instructions provided by event organisers.

Celebrating at home?

If you are planning your own display, please remember:

✅ Only use fireworks purchased from reputable retailers and look for UKCA and CE safety markings.

✅ Store fireworks in a closed metal container and remove them one at a time.

✅ Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

✅ Light fireworks at arm's length using a suitable safety lighter and immediately step back.

✅ Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby in case of an emergency.

✅ Allow used fireworks to cool, then soak thoroughly before disposing of them safely.

✅ Ensure bonfires and any naked flames are completely extinguished before leaving the area.

Important Safety Reminders

❌ Never return to a firework once it has been lit.

❌ Never throw fireworks.

❌ Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

❌ Never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers.

🐾 Don't forget about your pets. Keep them indoors where possible and take steps to reduce stress and anxiety caused by loud noises.

Fireworks and the Law

Did you know it is illegal to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am?

The exceptions are:

🎆 Bonfire Night (5 November) - until midnight.

🎇 New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year - until 1am the following morning.

It is also illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy or possess fireworks in a public place, and it is against the law to throw or set off fireworks in the street.

Reporting Anti-Social Behaviour

If you experience anti-social behaviour involving fireworks, please report it to us on 101.

Always call 999 in an emergency where there is an immediate threat to life, risk of serious injury, or a crime is in progress.

You can also contact Greater Manchester Police online via the "Contact Us" section of the GMP website.