Guy Fawkes

Remember, remember the fifth of November

The gunpowder treason and plot

Normally I’m all for letting people have fun.  And I certainly am not in the ban fireworks brigade.  But having experienced a year where our neighbours shot what looked like rockets directly at our shingle roof, I can see the perils of fireworks in the hands of the thoughtless and/or reckless.

The following are guidelines for the safe use of fireworks:

Choose a safe place to let off your fireworks. Check that there is plenty of open  space well away from anything which could catch fire. 

Make sure there is a good supply of water available

Store and carry your fireworks carefully and safely. Keep them out of reach of young children. Keep them in a closed box or bag away from heat and flames and do not carry fireworks in your pockets.

Ensure that fireworks are lit by adults and not children.

Read the instructions carefully on your fireworks, preferably before Guy Fawkes night and read each one again before you light it (remember to use a torch for this purpose).

Stand your fireworks in dirt, sand or on a firm flat surface. Please remember that throwing fireworks can injure people and animals and damage property.

Light your fireworks at arm’s length and then stand well back. Keep well clear of fireworks which have been lit but have not gone off.

Source Kiwi Families website

It is ironic that apparently Guy Fawkes masks are being used by the “Occupy” protesters.  Why they would choose a failed protest as an emblem is anybody’s guess.

And last, but not least, if you are shooting off fireworks, please check the wind direction so you are not putting any wooden shingle roofs at risk!