At YMCA Day Nursery, we know how Bonfire Night can be an exciting time for families, filled with dazzling fireworks, sparklers, and plenty of fun. However, it is important to ensure that children are kept safe during these festivities. Here are our top tips to help you enjoy a fun and safe Bonfire Night with your little ones.
Dress Appropriately
As Bonfire Night falls within the colder months, there are additional hazards to be mindful of such as early darkness, chilly temperatures, and unpredictable weather conditions. Ensuring your little ones are dressed appropriately can help them keep safe and comfortable this bonfire night.
- Layer-Up: Make sure that you and your children are wearing multiple layers such as thermals, fleeces, and waterproof jackets. This will allow your little ones to stay warm throughout the evening, and help protect against any unexpected autumn weather events.
- Be Visible: Dressing you children in bright and reflective clothing or accessories will make them easily seen throughout the evening, allowing you to spot them in a crowd and keep them safe.
- Wear Appropriate Footwear: Ensure your children wear sturdy, waterproof footwear with a good grip. This will keep their feet warm, dry, and help slips and falls when walking on muddy or slippery ground.
- Ear Protection: Fireworks can be rather loud, especially for your little ones. With this in mind, you may want to consider providing some ear defenders, or child-friendly ear plugs, allowing them to enjoy the dazzling display or fireworks without the discomfort of loud bangs.
Keep Your Distance
Fireworks and bonfires can be captivating, but they can pose many dangers if not handled properly. It is always safer to attend an organised display of fireworks as opposed to lighting your own at home, not just for your children’s safety, but your own too!
When attending a bonfire or fireworks display make sure to:
- Stay a safe distance from fireworks. When attending a fireworks event, make sure that the whole family stays behind barriers.
- Listen carefully, and follow the advice of event staff. They are there to make sure everyone is safe when enjoying the display.
- Remind your little ones about the dangers that fireworks and bonfires bring, and to never run around them.
Sparkler Safety
Sparklers should never be given to children under the age of 5, and even handing sparklers to children above this age should be done so incredibly carefully, and with immense supervision.
For young children who still want to experience the joy of sparklers, a responsible adult, parent, or guardian should hold the sparkler at a safe, clear distance, whilst wearing fire resistant safety gloves. This will allow your little ones to still observe the magic of sparklers without the dangers of holding them.
When using sparklers in any capacity, it is important to have a bucket of sand or water nearby to extinguish them immediately, should you need to.
First Aid Basics
In case of any accidents, it’s useful to have basic first aid knowledge, especially for burns. Keep a first aid kit handy and familiarise yourself with how to treat minor burns and injuries.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure Bonfire Night is an enjoyable and safe experience for the whole family. Safety doesn’t mean sacrificing fun, it simply means making sure your children can stay safe while enjoying the magic of fireworks!
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