DON'T buy fireworks in November - if you are planning to brighten up the new Millennium.

That is just one piece of advice from Greater Manchester County Fire Service who are keen to reduce the number of accidents from fireworks and bonfires.

People should resist the temptation to purchase and store fireworks in November for their New Year celebrations. Instead it is advised that they should order and collect them one or two days in advance of New Year's Eve. Once collected they should be stored in a metal container to reduce the risk of house fires.

Whether fireworks are for the Millennium or for Bonfire Night, fire chiefs are keen for the public to follow the same advice when using fireworks or staging their own bonfire events.

County Fire Office George Almond said: "All fireworks must be handled with care and their use should be confined to supervised displays. If people follow simple guidelines then the number of injuries could be reduced significantly."

The national injury figure for 1998 was 830, down 78 on the previous year. However, more than 50 per cent of these injuries were to children with one of the main causes due to the misuse of sparklers which resulted in almost 130 accidents.

Guidelines for bonfire night and Millennium Eve are as follows:

Fireworks should not be sold to any person under the age of 18.

Ideally, attend an organised display.

Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.

Never give sparklers to a child under five.

Buy fireworks marked BS 7114.

Keep fireworks in a closed metal box.

Always follow the instructions on each firework.

Light them at arm's length using a taper and stand well back.

Never go back to a lit firework.

Never throw fireworks.

Alcohol and fireworks do not mix and will lead to injury.

Keep pets indoors ensuring all windows and doors are firmly locked.

Take dogs out for a walk earlier in the day to avoid going out in the evening. Plenty of exercise may tire it out so it is more likely to sleep through the noise.

If your dog dislikes loud noises or has an illness such as a heart condition, consult your vet to see how you can help your pet if it does get upset.

Keep curtains closed and turn on the radio or TV.

Check bonfires before lighting them for hedgehogs or other animals hiding in the wood pile.

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