Bonfire Night At Home- Safety Tips and Advice

Thursday, November 5, 2020

 

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions and new lockdown all of the area’s public bonfires and firework displays have been cancelled. While this is disappointing, some of us still have an opportunity to celebrate Bonfire Night at home.

So if you are looking to do this, we’ve put together a list of top tips and advice to help ensure you and your family will stay safe and that your November the 5th at home will be one to remember.

Buy appropriate fireworks

You need to be mindful of the type of fireworks you’re purchasing, are they appropriate for your garden and surrounding homes? Also you should only buy those that are marked CE, as these are officially licenced for use in the UK.

Follow the user guidance for lighting them

In addition, here’s some additional information around storing and lighting your fireworks:

• Follow the instructions on each firework.
• Ensure they’re planted or grounded appropriately.
• Wear gloves and eye protection and make sure the area you’re lighting them in is
  well-lit.
• Light all fireworks at arm's length.
• Keep yourself and others a good distance from the fireworks (this will be included in the instructions).
• Never go back to light a firework or one that is already lit.
• Never throw fireworks.
• Have a bucket of water or soft earth ready to store the used fireworks in.

Keep your bonfire small

If you have a garden big enough and safe enough to build a bonfire, make sure it’s small. Ensure your fire is built in an open space and that you are not too close to any fences, sheds or houses. Fire spreads quickly so it is important that the area around your bonfire is clear!

Have a hose on hand or buckets of sand or water to extinguish your bonfire if you have concerns it’s getting too big.

Keep your pets safe

Bonfire Night can be an extremely stressful time for pets. Keep your pets indoors and put loud music on, or put the television on for them. Don’t forget about your neighbours’ pets too. A quick knock on your neighbours’ doors to let them know about your plans gives them the chance to bring their pets indoors if necessary!

Be safe with sparklers

Sparklers are a staple of Bonfire Night parties – and provide much of the most memorable magic for young ones. However, it’s important to supervise your young children when they are using sparklers.

Here’s a few top tips from Made for Mums on keeping small children and toddlers safe:

• Always supervise children using sparklers.
• Don’t give sparklers to a child under 5.
• Always light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
• Show your children how to hold sparklers: away from their body and at arm’s length 

Do some extra research

If you’re still unsure on any other safety aspects, there’s more official guidance from the UK Fire Service here , which should tell you everything else you need to know.

With everything in place your Bonfire Night at home should go off without a hitch. Let us know on our social channels how you intend on spending your November 5th!