As we look forward to an excitement-filled, lockdown-free Bonfire Night, it’s important to remind your customers of the risks involved and offer crucial fire safety advice. Whether you have plans to host your own event or you’re attending a bonfire in your local community, take heed of the following tips to keep the fun safe this Bonfire Night.
Allow for plenty of space
If you’re building a bonfire at home, setting off a few fireworks on the drive, or attending a busy display, always ensure you’re aware of your surroundings. Build bonfires away from your home and any surrounding fences and ensure guests stand well away. You should also be sure to check for any hiding pets or wild animals underneath before you light the fire.
Take care with sparklers
They’ve long been a source of fun at this time of year, but children and adults should be aware of the dangers of sparklers and know how to use them safely. When handling a sparkler, always wear gloves and hold it at arm’s length at all times. Once the sparkler is spent, be sure to put it in a bucket of water to cool down. Don’t give sparklers to children under the age of five.
Veteran fire safety Stay safe on Bonfire Night
Avoid wearing loose clothing
Whenever you’re around naked flames throughout the Halloween and Bonfire Night period, make sure you’re wearing sensible clothing with no loose material and tie long hair back.
Be wise when choosing fireworks
If you’re hosting a display, make sure the fireworks you buy are the right type for home use, suitable for the size of your garden and include the BS 7114 mark. This safety standard lays out specifications and test procedures for fireworks. Once you’ve got them home, fireworks should be kept in a metal box and on the night, keep a torch with you for checking the instructions when lighting them. Never return to a firework once it’s been lit and always keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies.
Veteran fire safety Stay safe on Bonfire Night
Keep pets comfortable
Bonfire Night isn’t a favoured time of year for pets. What with all the loud bangs and other noises, they can often be found frightened and cowering behind furniture. Take measures to ensure the night goes by as stress-free as possible for them. Keep them indoors at all times close all windows and doors and draw curtains to lessen the sound of explosions. If they are sitting frightened in a corner, don’t try to coax them out as this will only cause more upset.
Finish with a thorough clean up
Finally, once your guests have left, spend time wandering around the site and making doubly sure there aren’t any unlit fireworks lying around. Keep an eye on the dying bonfire until it’s fully extinguished and pour water on it instead of leaving it.
If your customers are hosting an event for Bonfire Night, ensure they are aware of their responsibilities to conduct a fire risk assessment.
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