Remember, remember to have a safe one

WITH Bonfire Night fast approaching people across Yorkshire and the Humber region are being urged to stay safe by health experts.

Traditionally, Accident and Emergency departments and burns units in the region see an increase in accidents involving burns at this time of year.

Health experts from across the region are encouraging people to treat fireworks and bonfires with respect this November 5.

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“We see a number of incidents every year where people require treatment in hospital because they have been careless with fireworks,” says Alan Phipps, consultant burns and plastic surgeon from the Regional Burns Unit at Pinderfields General Hospital.

“In the worst cases patients need skin grafts to their face or treatment after seriously damaging their hands.

“These are accidents which have permanent consequences which could all be avoided.

“If you are unlucky enough to get burned, the most important thing you should do is to put cold water on to the affected area at once.

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“This will take the heat out of the skin, which reduces the damage done and helps reduce pain. A clean dressing, cling-film or cloth should be put over the area and then you should get to your local A&E as quickly as possible.”

Deputy regional director for public health at NHS Yorkshire and the Humber, Andrew Clark, said: “NHS Yorkshire and the Humber is committed to helping the people of the region have a safe Bonfire Night.

People need to be aware that, while Bonfire Night can be great fun, care must be taken to ensure everyone taking part stays safe.

“To avoid a trip to A&E we advise that, where possible, people go to an organised bonfire rather than organise their own. However, if you are planning to have your own firework display, do so carefully, and follow the firework code.”

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And in a bid to reduce the number of injures and incident involving children and young people an initiaive has been launched across the region. A new Barnsley supermarket has become one of the first retailers in the county to pledge its support to “Strike it Out” scheme.

The Asda store in Goldthorpe, Barnsley has signed up to the joint initiative between South Yorkshire Police and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue which asks shop owners to voluntarily agree not to sell matches and lighters to under 18s.

It is hoped that limiting young people’s access to matches and lighters, plus items commonly used in anti-social behaviour at this time of year, like flour and eggs, will lead to an overall reduction in arson and other acts of anti-social behaviour and also injuries

“We’re really pleased to have recruited a big name supermarket like Asda Goldthorpe to back this campaign,” says Barnsley arson reduction officer Simon Brookes.

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“But now we are calling on smaller local shops and retailers to join in too, in a bid to help us stop anti-social behaviour in their communities before it starts.

“Limiting the sale of items such as matches and lighters for just a few weeks at this time of year can have a massive impact on the well being and safety of our communities.”

Head of community safety at South Yorkshire Police, Superintendent Eddie Murphy, said: “Reducing young people’s access to items such as lighters and matches reduces the temptation to engage in anti-social behaviour and more serious crime like arson”.

Bonfire Night is celebrated across the UK on November 5. The date marks the failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament by York-born Guy Fawkes along with a group of co-conspirators in London in 1605. The intention was to kill King James I and wipe out everyone in government. The group were Catholic extremists who wanted to return England to the Catholic faith. One of the conspirators had a friend in the Houses of Parliament and sent a letter to him, warning him to stay away from the House on the day the attack was supposed to take place. The letter was intercepted and handed to the King.

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Meanwhile, Guy Fawkes and friends, having formulated the “Gunpowder Plot”, had rolled 36 barrels of gunpowder into the cellars of the Houses of Parliament, and were waiting for the king to arrive when guards broke in and arrested them. They were tortured and executed.

Organised displays around Yorkshire

Beverley – Westwood Common, Nov 5, fire 7.15pm, fireworks 7.45pm. www.beverleylions. org.uk

Bingley – Myrtle Park , Nov 5, fire lit 7pm, fireworks 7.30pm.

Bolton Abbey – Nov 5. www.devonshirehotels.co.uk

Bradford - Odsal, Nov 5, 7.30pm. 0844 871 1490.

Epworth – Show Field, Nov 5, gates 5pm, fire 6pm, fireworks 6.30pm. www.epworthshow.org

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Goole – Nov 5, funfair and stalls from 6pm, processions from 7pm, firework finale 7.30pm. 01405 763 652.

Leeds – Roundhay Park, Nov 4, fire lit 7.30pm, fireworks 8pm. 0113 395 7400. Other main Leeds bonfires at Middleton Park, Springhead Park, Bramley Park, East End and Woodhouse Moor, Nov 4. 0113 395 7400.

Sheffield – After Dark & Fireworks,Don Valley Stadium, Nov 5, gates 5.30pm, fire 7pm, fireworks 8.45pm. 0114 256 5656.

Stainborough, Wentworth Catle, Nov 5, 6pm.01226 776040, www.wentworthcastle.org

York – Poppleton Centre, Nov 5, gates 5.30pm, fire 7pm, fireworks 7.15pm. Tickets from Poppleton Post Office.

York Maze, Nov 5, 4pm-10pm. 01904 415364.

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