They may look cute and pretty, but all the family need to handle sparklers with care
All children love sparklers as they are like mini fireworks up close and personal, however they must be used safely as injuries do happen.
Sparklers can get up to six times hotter than oil in a frying pan; so can be very dangerous for small children if not used with care and supervision.
Top 5 safety tips with sparklers
- Store sparklers and other fireworks in a closed box in a cool, dry place.
- Always light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
- Never hold a baby or child if you have a sparkler in your hand.
- Plunge finished sparklers hot end down into a bucket of water as soon as they have burnt out. They can stay hot for a long time.
- Don’t take sparklers to public displays. It will be too crowded to use them safely.
Children under five in particular need supervision and appropriate clothing when out and about playing with sparklers:
Under 5s and sparklers
- Never give sparklers to the under 5s – they will not understand how to use them safely.
- Always supervise children using sparklers.
- Give children gloves to wear when holding sparklers.
- Avoid dressing children in loose or flowing clothes – they may catch light.
- Show children how to hold sparklers – away from their body and at arm’s length.
- Teach children not to wave sparklers near anyone else or run while holding them.
Accidents do happen, so if you or one of your children gets injured with a sparkler here’s what to do:
In an emergency
- Cool the burn or scald with cold water for at least 10 minutes.
- Cut around material sticking to the skin – don’t pull it off.
- Don’t touch the burn or burst any blisters.
- Cover the burn with clean, non-fluffy material - cling film is ideal - to prevent infection.
- If clothing catches fire, get the person to stop, drop to the floor and roll them in heavy material like a curtain.
- Get advice from your doctor or A&E department at your local hospital.
Fore more safety tips for you and your family when at firework displays and bonfire night, check out the UK fireworks safety website.
If you are planning a display at home, check out our feature on how to have safe family fireworks at home. If your heading out to a display, read our story on how to keep your child safe at a fireworks display, before you go.
