Bonfire Night 2013: Do's and Don'ts

Fire services across the Border region are urging people to remember the fifth of November for good reason - and not for bad ones.

Whether you are planning to go to a bonfire display tonight, or have fireworks in your own back garden, have a look at our advice on how to make the best out of your bonfire night.

DO'S

• Keep fireworks in a closed metal box and take them out one at a time.

• Follow the manufacturers' instructions on each firework. Read them by torchlight - never by naked flame

• Light fireworks at arm's length using a safety firework lighter or fuse wick.

• Stand back after lighting.

• Keep children under control.

• Keep pets indoors.

• For an emergency keep buckets of water, the garden hose or a fire extinguisher ready.

• Site bonfires well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs and always away from fireworks.

• Before lighting the fire, check that no pets or children are hiding inside it.

• Build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse outwards or to one side.

• Keep everyone away from the fire - especially children, who must be supervised all the time.

DON'TS

• Burn foam-filled furniture, aerosols, tins of paint or bottles.

• Use flammable liquids - paraffin or petrol - to light the fire.

• Go back to a firework once lit - it may go off in your face.

Source: Cumbria County Council