Bonfire Night: Top tips for staying safe

Video caption, Top tips for staying safe this Bonfire Night

The 5 November is Bonfire Night, a day filled with lots of fabulous fireworks, snazzy sparklers and big bonfires.

Bonfire Night can be brilliant fun, but it's really important to keep safe too.

It's also a good idea to look out for pets and wildlife during the celebrations to make sure they're properly protected.

Firefighter Amy and her team, from the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, have some top tips to ensure you have both a safe and enjoyable time this Guy Fawkes Night.

Go to an organised public display

Image source, Getty Images

Many places across the UK have public firework displays which you can attend with your family and friends.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service say it's safer to attend an organised bonfire display being run by experts. Firefighter Pete says: "Stand well back when watching bonfires and fireworks."

Not only are these displays pretty impressive, but it's actually better for the environment too! Fireworks can release chemicals and smoke into the air that can stay around for a while after Bonfire Night.

Big displays cause less harm to the environment than lots of smaller displays in people's gardens - and can be far more impressive!

Stay safe with sparklers

Video caption, WATCH: Bonfire Night: Sparkler safety tips

One of the most popular things to do on Bonfire Night is to light a sparkler.

They're definitely fun to wave around, but they can reach very high temperatures.

This means they can be dangerous if they aren't handled correctly. Always make sure to get an adult to light sparklers for you and keep them at arms length away from your body.

Firefighter Beth says: "Remember always wear gloves when holding a sparkler and when it's finished put it in a bucket of sand or water."

Be kind to your pets

Video caption, WATCH: Lisa the vet's tips to keep your pets safe on Bonfire Night

It's important to keep our furry (and non-furry) friends safe on Bonfire Night too.

Animal charities such as the PDSA say that the loud bangs and bright lights of fireworks can make animals anxious.

Many dogs are scared of fireworks and the loud noises they make. Avoid walking them at night on or around the 5 November and close your windows and curtains.

You can read more on how to look after your pets if they're scared of fireworks.

Video caption, WATCH: Tips for looking after wildlife this Bonfire Night

Get and adult to check the bonfire before it is lit

The branches and leaves used to make bonfires can often look like appealing places to sleep for small animals like hedgehogs.

Be sure to get an adult to check your bonfire before they light it to help avoid any animals being in the pile.

Pick up your litter

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On Bonfire Night, we often eat yummy food outside while watching colourful displays in places like parks.

Keep hold of any rubbish and packaging you have until you can find a suitable bin to put it in, in order to keep these spaces clean!

Do you have any plans for bonfire night? Let us know in the comments below!