Think about your kids. That is the message from ACC this week ahead of Guy Fawke’s.

On average ACC accepts around 300 new claims every year for fireworks-related injuries.

ACC data shows that children under the age of 10 make up around a quarter of the people getting injured each year.

Fireworks injury claims peak in November with more than half of the injuries happening during this month.

ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker says people need to take the risk of injury at Guy Fawkes seriously.

“Our data shows that many injuries from fireworks are predictable – and this means they’re preventable,” he says. “Some of these injuries can be life changing.

Whitaker says if there is a public fireworks display in your area, he encourages you to head along to that rather than lighting your own.

“If you’re planning to light fireworks this Guy Fawkes, think about the risks first.

“Check the advice on the Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s website for guidance on how to safely light fireworks.”

Whitaker says the number of children getting injured by fireworks is concerning.

“No one wants their kids to get hurt so think about how your actions might harm others.

“Think about the things you can do to keep tamariki safe, like making sure they can’t touch sparklers and other fireworks while they’re still burning hot and supervise them at all times.

“This’ll help to ensure you and your whānau have a memorable time for all the right reasons.”

Burns are the most common injury, with hands/wrists the most common part of the body to be injured every year. Young men and children are among those most likely to be injured.

Fireworks also pose a high fire risk and have been known to cause wildfires.

Whitaker recommended three safety tips; 1. Don’t light fireworks in hot, dry and/or windy weather or when the Fire Danger Index is Very High or Extreme, 2. Follow the firework manufacturer’s instructions and 3. Be prepared: keep a bucket of water, hose or fire extinguisher handy.

Here are some tips from Fire and Emergency New Zealand for a safe Guy Fawkes:

· Check the conditions: Don’t light fireworks in windy or dry conditions.

· Pick a safe spot: Light your fireworks in a wide-open area, away from anything that could catch fire, like dry grass, leaves, crops, hedges, shelter belts or flammable gases or liquids.

· Have safety gear nearby: Keep a bucket of water, hose or fire extinguisher handy.

· Adults-only: Children should be kept a safe distance away.

· Point them to the stars: Fireworks shouldn’t be pointed at people, pets or at anyone’s homes – in fact, don’t hold them in your hand to light them at all, unless they are designed for that e.g. sparklers.

· Dispose safely: Soak fireworks in water before throwing them out.

For more fireworks safety tips, head to their website. https://www.checkitsalright.nz/reduce-your-risk/fireworks