MORE than six in 10 parents plan to take their children to Bonfire Night events this weekend – but have never talked to them about being safe near fireworks and sparklers.
1000 parents of children aged 0-7 years old conducted research that revealed 70% would attend organised events and 26% would set off fireworks.
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Although the research showed teaching children about fire safety is a priority for 81 per cent, many don’t know where to find child-friendly information to help educate them.
76% hope that someone will show them how far back they can stand from bonfires, and 37% how to hold a sparkler.
Fireman Sam, a brand associated with the Child Accident Prevention Trust, commissioned the research. They also partnered to create a series of safety tips for the night that would help people get on the right track to safety.
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Jon Spalding, Mattel’s head of consumer products UK & hard lines, EMEA, said: “Bonfire Night can be a spectacular event for families to enjoy together, but they also provide significant safety risks.
“We know that discussing fire safety is a huge priority for parents, but many don’t know where to access trusted information, so we hope the release of our tips with CAPT will help solve this, keeping everyone safe and having fun this 5th November.”
It also emerged 29 per cent have been concerned about their child’s safety at an official event, while 35 per cent have been worried due to the lack of precautions at an event hosted at someone’s house.
Accidents with sparklers, burns from fireworks and bonfires, and road incidents were parent’s top concerns on Guy Fawkes Night, and 24 per cent have experienced an accident or injury at such an event.
29% of parents aren’t confident that their child will be able to handle a bonfire night accident.
61% of respondents said that their children wouldn’t know how to stop, drop and roll if their costumes or clothes catch on fire.
While almost a quarter (24 per cent) wouldn’t feel confident themselves in how to react to such a happening.
OnePoll’s research found that 66% of respondents believe it is difficult for children to find safety information or educational material.
Nearly half (48%) of parents believe that their child would be able to call the emergency services if there was a fire.
Nearly all parents (94 per cent) agreed it is important that children’s characters such as those on Fireman Sam TV show talk to children about Bonfire Night safety.
Katrina Phillips, CAPT’s chief executive, said: “Bonfire Night is magical but with sparklers burning 16 times hotter than your kettle, they can badly burn a child.
“Many parents aren’t clear what to tell their children about staying safe on Bonfire Night or what to do if the worst happens.
“That’s why we’ve partnered with Fireman Sam to create some essential family safety tips to keep little ones safe.”
Fireman Sam’s fourteenth series, which will air on Cartoonito starting Tuesday 1 November, teaches children safety lessons.
10 TIPS TO ENSURE BONFIRE NIGHT SAFETY
1. Safety Tips for Bonfire and Firework Safety from Fireman Sam and The Child Accident Prevention Trust
2. Fireworks can be quite exciting but also very dangerous. Talk to your grown-up about safe places to stand.
3. Keep your sparkly sparkler safely away from other people and don’t run with them. When you are holding sparklers, wear your gloves and keep them from touching your skin.
4. Once sparklers are finished, put them into a bucket of water, don’t pick them back up.
5. On fireworks night, leave your fancy dress and clothes at home. Wrap up warm.
6. Keep a safe distance away from the bonfire, and be close to the adults.
7. Don’t be tempted to throw things into the bonfire or poke at it with sticks.
8. If you’re going to a firework display, hold hands with your grown-up and stay with them all the time.
9. Put toys and phones away when you’re out and about so you can focus on keeping safe and having fun!
10. If you do catch your clothes on a flame, don’t panic – STOP, DROP, and ROLL:
STOP doing this.
DROP TO THE GREEN AND COVER YOUR FACE WITH YOUR HANDS.
Roll over and over to extinguish the flames.
Before fireworks night, practice your STOP, DROOP, and ROLL. Invite your friends to do it!
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