November 5^th is coming up fast, so now’s the time to start planning fireworks displays, finding events in your area and generally getting quite excited about the biggest, brightest and loudest night of the year!

To make sure that you have loads of fun and stay safe, here are the 10 essential things you need to know ahead of Bonfire Night 2015:

1. Be wary of buying super-cheap fireworks. Products available at bargain basement prices can be incredibly smoky (so you can’t even see the effects) or defective, causing them to misfire or not go off at all. They can even be dangerous, so always look for good quality, good value certified products from a seller you trust.
2. If you’re holding a display, warn your neighbours – or invite them along! Fireworks are loud, which can disturb your neighbours. A courtesy call to warn them of the display will be much appreciated. Better still, invite them along!
3. It’s against the law to set fireworks off after 11pm. The rules can differ between local authorities, but you must respect the law in your area when setting off fireworks.
4. Take extra precautions with bonfires. Keep a fire extinguisher to hand, your bonfire away from all structures and flammable materials and your spectators at a safe distance – or better still, go to an organised bonfire in the local area rather than lighting one yourself.
5. If you aren’t confident with fireworks, call in the professionals. If you don’t know what you’re doing when choosing fireworks or setting them off, go to an organised display or call in a professional fireworks display organiser such as 1^st Galaxy to help.
6. Keep a close eye on kids with sparklers. Sparklers may seem harmless, but they can be very dangerous for children if precautions aren’t taken. Keep a close eye on kids with sparklers, advise them not to wave them in anyone’s face and to keep them away from their eyes – and not to put them in their pockets. Keep a bucket of water or sand on-hand to extinguish sparklers.
7. Listen to and follow all safety instructions. If you’re going to an organised fireworks display, take all safety instructions seriously and make sure your children follow them too – the rules are there for your own safety!
8. Keep pets inside. Dogs and cats can get very distressed when fireworks start going off, so take some steps to keep them calm – from keeping them company at home to anti-anxiety medication.
9. Choose the right venue. Some venues have restrictions on what kinds of fireworks you can let off, as well as not having enough space, so choose your display venue with care.
10. Pace your display for maximum effect. The best fireworks displays are well paced with louder and quieter sections building up to a crescendo at the end.

Have a memorable, fun and safe Bonfire Night everyone!