Sparklers are one of the most popular types of fireworks in the UK. They’re cheap, easy to buy and anyone can use one – plus they’re a lot of fun! But are you underestimating the humble sparkler?

The danger of sparklers is that many people don’t think of them as fireworks. This is despite the fact that they consist of a metal rod coated with a flammable pyrotechnic compound. This sometimes leads to casual and careless use of sparklers, and it could turn what should be a fun occasion into a trip to the hospital.

To use sparklers safely and ensure everyone has a great time with them, bear these 5 essential facts and tips in mind:

1. A sparkler burns at over 15 times the temperature of boiling water. Not many people realise just how scorching hot sparklers are, which can be extremely dangerous. This is why they should be treated with care and respect, and always extinguished fully.
2. Drunk people and unsupervised children shouldn’t use sparklers. Not that we’re comparing the two, but both intoxicated adults and inexperienced children can be careless with sparklers in a way that could be dangerous. Sparklers are fun, but they aren’t toys. Someone should be carefully supervising children when they use sparklers, while anyone who’s had a drink should stay well clear. It’s all too easy to misjudge risk or do something silly like put a sparkler in your pocket when alcohol is involved.
3. They’re not for use indoors. Unless clearly marked as such, sparklers should not be used indoors. They’re far too hot and there’s not enough space to use them safely. They pose a risk to your curtains and other soft furnishings, plus will produce lots of unpleasant smoke. Take it outside!
4. You still need to put spent sparklers in water or sand, even if it seems like they’ve gone out. A common response when a sparkler has gone out is just to drop it in the bin or on the floor. Just because the sparkle has gone out though, this doesn’t mean the sparkler is not still very hot and a possible source of ignition if anything flammable is nearby. Plus, someone else could pick it up when cleaning the area and burn themselves. Just to be sure, always dunk your spent sparklers in a bucket of water or sand.
5. Sparklers are best enjoyed one at a time. Always light sparklers just one at a time and keep lit sparklers away from each other. Too many of them together can cause a flare-up – for example, the heat of three together can be as hot as a blowtorch! If you’re lighting sparklers for lots of people, don’t rush it. Light one at a time and hand them round.

Finally, have fun! When used safely and responsibly, sparklers can be great fun – especially for children and young people, whose first introduction to fireworks is the humble sparkler.