Guys, sparklers can get red-hot!

They sparkle and shine, and look like lots of harmless fun – but they can get six times as hot as a pan of cooking oil. Be aware of sparkler injuries this Guy Fawkes Day.

UK Firework Safety compiled the following sparkler safety tips:

• 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 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.

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 accident and emergency department at your local hospital.

Source: UK Firework Safety

(Photo of child with sparkler from Shutterstock)