There were just two firework injuries in Surrey last year – a reflection of the nationwide drop in injuries. Firework accidents around the country were down by a quarter in 2002, and injuries to teenagers fell by a third.

Blindness research charity Fight for Sight has this year again teamed up with the government’s Fireworks Safety Campaign for 2003. They hope to build on the success of last year’s hard-hitting campaign and are issuing a nationwide appeal to follow the Fireworks Safety Code.

Gerry Sutcliffe, Consumer Minister, welcomed the decline in accidents but cautioned: "Always remember fireworks are explosives and can be a hazard if not handled with care. Even a simple sparkler can reach temperatures of 1000 C – that's ten times the temperature of boiling water."

Although the number of eye injuries fell by 32.8% in 2002, Anne Munby, Fight for Sight’s Regional Fundraising Manager, warned: “Last year 250 people suffered eye injuries caused by fireworks. It is crucial that everyone follows the Firework Safety Code.”

This is important advice, as fireworks can cause terrible injuries to the eye. Accident & Emergency doctors commonly see burning and lacerations caused by flying pieces of cardboard – bad injuries can even cause blindness. The Fireworks Safety Campaign is being publicised through a nationwide television and SMS text campaign. The key message, ‘Fireworks are explosive: get wise or get hurt’ is designed to appeal to children and young people, who are most likely to be harmed by fireworks.

View Fireworks code (pdf)