How to Keep Everyone Safe This Bonfire Night
Our top safety tips:
- Keep a safe distance
Always stand well back from fireworks and bonfires, and make sure children and pets are supervised at all times. - Buy fireworks responsibly
Only purchase fireworks from trustworthy retailers and check for the CE mark, which means they meet UK safety standards. - Stay prepared for accidents
If you’re setting off fireworks at home, keep a bucket of water, sand or a hose nearby to deal with any unexpected flare-ups. - Avoid dangerous accelerants
Never use petrol, lighter fluid or other flammable liquids to start or relight a bonfire. - Check all fires and fireworks are fully extinguished
When the celebrations are over, make sure to check that any fireworks or bonfires are fully put out before leaving the area unattended.
“Bonfire Night should be a fun and memorable evening for everyone,” says First4Lawyers’ head of legal services Jacqueline Busby. “But we know how quickly accidents can happen, which is why it’s so important that the right safety measures are in place.
“Taking a few sensible steps – such as buying certified fireworks, keeping a safe distance and ensuring children are always supervised – can drastically reduce the risk. With a bit of advance planning, you can ensure everyone enjoys their evening, without anyone getting hurt.”
Bonfire basics
If you’re building a bonfire at home, choose an open and clear space away from buildings, fences or trees.
Only burn dry, untreated wood. Never build a fire with furniture, plastic or rubbish as these can all release toxic fumes.
Once the fire is lit, supervise it closely and keep children and pets at least five metres away at all times. When the evening’s over, douse the fire with water and check for any hidden embers before you head inside.
Firework safety
Fireworks are most people’s favourite part of Bonfire Night, but they can be dangerous if they’re handled incorrectly.
If you’re lighting fireworks at home, always read the instructions first and use a taper or long lighter at arm’s length. Once the firework is lit, stand well back. Never return to a firework that hasn’t gone off as it could still explode.
Make sure to keep fireworks in a closed box until using them. If you’re using sparklers, pay close attention to children and place the used sparklers in a bucket of water immediately after they go out.
Staying safe on the roads
Bonfire Night celebrations often involve travelling to and from local events, and the roads can be especially hazardous at this time of year. Smoke from fireworks and bonfires can linger in the air, creating hazy conditions that make it harder to see.
Try to plan ahead if you’re attending a local display. Check parking options and routes beforehand and leave extra time for your journey as traffic may be heavier around popular display sites.
By driving cautiously and staying alert, you’ll be helping to make sure that everyone gets home safely after the event.
After the show
If you’re hosting an at-home display, take a moment at the end of the night to ensure everything is left safe and secure. Double-check that all flames and embers are fully extinguished, pets are safely indoors and any used fireworks or sparklers have been disposed of safely.
A little bit of planning and care can go a long way. By following these safety tips, you can ensure that the evening is a fun one, without any mishaps.
