Before you light fireworks this weekend, take a moment to think of your children.

ACC data from the past five years (2018 – 22) shows that the 0-4 age group (179 injuries) and 5-9 age group (150 injuries) were the leading age groups for fireworks-related injuries.

Every year, tamariki/children under 10 made up around a quarter of ACC fireworks-related claims.

ACC injury prevention lead James Whitaker says the data is a timely reminder for whānau about the need to protect our children.

“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.

“This will help to ensure you and your whānau have a memorable night for all the right reasons.”

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

From 2018 – 2022, ACC accepted 1376 fireworks related injuries and these injuries came at a cost of $2.7 million to help people recover.

In this same period, Auckland (562), Waikato (153) and Canterbury (112) were the leading regions for fireworks-related injuries.

In 2022, there were 249 new ACC claims from people injured by fireworks, and 67 per cent of these claims were lodged in November.

The majority of claims last year were burns (57 per cent) ahead of laceration/ puncture/ sting injuries (19 per cent) and soft-tissue injuries (13 per cent).

One third of fireworks-related injuries in 2022 were to people’s hands / wrists, then their fingers/ thumbs (12 per cent), followed by their eyes (8 per cent).

Males were twice as likely to be injured in a fireworks-related injury than females.

“Our data shows that many injuries from fireworks are predictable – and this means they’re preventable,” says James.

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

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

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is calling for people to be careful particularly with high winds that are common at this time of year.

Adrian Nacey is the Fire and Emergency Community Education Manager. He says people shouldn’t light fireworks if it’s too windy.

“It only takes a stray firework to start a fire or hurt someone," he says. “So if you’re lighting fireworks this Guy Fawkes please take simple precautions to keep everyone safe.

“Fireworks can make a fun celebration, but they can also be dangerous and need to be used responsibly.

If there is a public fireworks display in your area, Fire and Emergency NZ encourage you to head along to that rather than light your own.

“But if you do choose to light your own, remember we need everyone to do their part to help keep our communities safe this Guy Fawkes,” says Nacey.

“You don’t want to be the person responsible for damaging a person, property or the environment by not being careful with fireworks.”

Common trends every Guy Fawkes

· Burns are the most common injury every year

· Hands/wrists are the most common part of the body to be injured every year

· Young men and children are among those most likely to be in the line of danger from fireworks

· Children under 10 made up around a quarter of ACC fireworks related claims each year

· Fireworks injury claims peak in November.

Tips from Fire and Emergency New Zealand for a safe Guy Fawkes:

· Watch the weather. If it is windy and dry, don’t light fireworks

· Supervise your tamariki at all times to make sure they are safe

· Read the manufacturer’s instructions, light fireworks in an open area away from anything that could catch fire and keep a bucket of water handy

· Remember fire can spread very quickly and a house fire can become un-survivable within three minutes

· Light fireworks on level ground and point fireworks at the stars, not at people or other people’s property

· Check local bylaws for the rules around using fireworks in your area. In many places, you're only allowed to light fireworks on private property

· Let your neighbours know if you are planning to set off fireworks and keep your pets inside

· Dispose of your fireworks safely and soak them in water before you throw them out. For more fireworks safety tips, head to the Fire and Emergency NZ website: Home | Fire and Emergency New Zealand