2 min read
5th November 2019

Bonfire Night Top Safety Tips

Bonfire Night Top Safety Tips

Bonfire night takes place on Tuesday 5th November 2019 and Cover4insurance have put together some essential safety tips in order to keep safe on bonfire night.

We would always encourage people to go to an organised display but if you are having a fireworks at home, you can have fun and keep everyone safe by following the firework code. Remember children and young people should be supervised, and you should watch and enjoy the fireworks at a safe distance.

Firework Code

  • Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable
  • Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
  • Only buy fireworks carrying the CE Marking
  • Keep fireworks in a closed box
  • Follow the instructions for lighting each firework very carefully
  • Light them at arm’s length, using a taper and stand well back
  • Never go back to a firework that has been lit, even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode
  • Never put fireworks in your pocket 
  • Never throw firework
  • Direct rocket fireworks well away from spectators
  • Always supervise children around fireworks
  • Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
  • Never give sparklers to a child under five
  • Keep pets indoors
  • Don’t let off fireworks after 11 pm

Bonfire Safety Tips

If you have a bonfire, follow these simple guidelines:

  • Warn your neighbours beforehand - so they are aware and can make necessary preparations
  • Only burn dry material, do not burn anything which is wet or damp, this causes more smoke
  • Check there are no cables (telephone wires etc) above the bonfire
  • Build the bonfire away from sheds, fences and trees
  • Don’t use petrol or paraffin to start the fire it can get out of control quickly

Once the bonfire is lit:

  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby - in case of emergencies
  • Don’t leave the bonfire unattended
  • Don't burn aerosols, canisters or anything containing foam or paint - this could produce toxic fumes and some containers may explode, causing injury
  • Once the bonfire has died down, spray the embers with water to stop it reigniting
  • Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving

The law surrounding fireworks

  • It’s illegal to throw fireworks (including sparklers)
  • It’s illegal to possess a category 4 firework they can only be used by professionals.
  • It’s illegal for anyone under 18 to possess an adult firework
  • It’s illegal to breach the firework curfew (11 pm – 7 am) except on Bonfire Night when fireworks can be used until midnight or on New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1 am
  • You should also check your council to find out about any local rules for setting off fireworks.

When can you buy fireworks

You can buy fireworks from registered sellers for private use on these dates:

  • Between the 15th October and the 10th of November
  • Between 26th and 31st of December
  • 3 days before Diwali and Chinese New Year

At any other time you can only buy fireworks from licensed shops.

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