In the UK, on the 5^th November, Bonfire Night (also known as Guy Fawkes Night) is celebrated. There are bonfires, fireworks and trick-and-treating. However, there can be some health risks associated with Bonfire Night and this blog is going to discuss how to have a fun evening and minimise any potential hazards. 

Burns and injuries

Fireworks, bonfires and sparklers can cause injuries and burns which can be minor to severe. 

Respiratory Problems

Fireworks and bonfires can produce smoke that can aggravate your lungs. This can cause asthma attacks and breathing difficulties for people who have lung conditions.

Noise Pollution

Bonfire night can be very loud, and this can cause ringing in your ears (tinnitus) and damage your hearing.

Stress and anxiety

For many people (and pets) loud noises and crowds can cause stress and anxiety.

Bonfire Night Safety: How to Enjoy the Fireworks with Ways to Keep Yourself Safe

It is important to only buy sparklers and fireworks from a trustworthy seller, follow the instructions and keep children and pets away from the fireworks. Also, do not stand too close to bonfires and wear long-sleeved tops and trousers to protect your skin. 

If you are sensitive to loud noises and crowds, but you want to attend a firework display or bonfire, take regular breaks, and try and find a quiet place.

To help protect children, hold their hands in crowds and also make sure the area of the bonfire or where fireworks are being set off is cordoned off.  

How to look after your health

Try to eat a healthy meal before you go out. This will give you a steady amount of energy to enjoy the night and decrease the amount of unhealthy food and drinks you have. 

Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water as being dehydrated can make you more susceptible to the effects of the smoke and noise. If you start to feel lightheaded due to the smoke and heat, then walk away and try and find an area with fresh air that you can rest in. 

To help avoid damage from loud noises you could use earplugs or wear earmuffs. To help with anxiety try practicing deep breathing exercises. Taking drugs and alcohol can increase anxiety so try to avoid these. 

Conclusion

Bonfire night can be enjoyable and fun. However, it is important to take care of yourself.  By following the above advice recommendations you can have a happy and healthy evening. 

References

As the excitement for Bonfire Night builds, safety should be at the forefront of all celebrations. The UK Government has set forth essential guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. These guidelines are crucial, not only for our well-being but also for the safety of our pets, who can be particularly sensitive to the noise and chaos of the night. Organisations like the RSPCA provide specialized advice for keeping animals calm and secure during the festivities; their tips can be a lifesaver and are available on the RSPCA website.

For individuals with respiratory concerns, Asthma UK offers targeted recommendations to manage asthma triggers during this smoky holiday on their advice page for dealing with smoke.

Following these expert suggestions can help ensure that the evening sparkles with fun, not danger, for everyone in the family — including our four-legged members.

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