22/10/2024
Keep your family fire safe during the holidays
With Autumn in full swing, Halloween and bonfire night are just around the corner! While both holidays promise lots of fun, there are often more fire hazards to be aware of and it’s important to celebrate safely. Keep reading to find out how you and your family can stay fire safe.
Switch to LED tea-lights
To help avoid any accidents this holiday season, you should consider avoiding naked flames altogether. Using battery-operated LED candles or glow sticks to light up your pumpkins and home are a much safer alternative and can look realistic. You should ensure these display the BSI Kitemark so that you know they’ve been tested are are safe to use.
Enjoy fireworks safely
We strongly encourage you to enjoy fireworks safely by attending an organised display. However, if you choose to set these off at home, purchase fireworks from a reputable seller and follow the instructions on these carefully. Light them at least eight meters away from any buildings or people, and don’t drink alcohol when doing this. Always supervise children with sparklers and never give them to a child under the age of five. On the night you may need:
- A closed metal box to store the fire works
- A bucket of water for emergencies
- Eye protections and gloves
- A bucket of soil or sand to stick fireworks in
Check your fancy dress
Whether you’re being a vampire, witch or zombie, fire certainly won’t be scared of you! Costumes are often made with flowing robes or capes, which means they can catch fire easily and quickly engulf a child in flames. Keep children and costumes away from naked flames, and check the labels to see what fire resistance they offer before buying. Teach your child to stop, drop and roll, in the event that their clothing does catch fire.
Be careful with bonfires
We advise you not to have a bonfire as fire can spread very easily, but if you do, only burn dry materials and build this far away from buildings, sheds, fences and trees. Check there are no cables above and don’t use petrol or paraffin to get the fire going – it may get out of control quickly. Keep a bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies and never leave the bonfire unattended. Once the bonfire is lit make sure you:
- Keep childeren and pets away
- don't throw any fireworks into the fire
- don't burn aerosols, tyres, canisters or anything containing foam or paint - this many produce toxic fumes and some containers may explode
Consider your neighbours
This Halloween and bonfire night please remember to be respectful of those living in your community. If you plan to let off fireworks or start a bonfire, please let your neighbours know in advance and be mindful of young children and pets. It’s against the law to set off fireworks in a public place and between the hours of 11pm and 7am. If you have any questions or concerns, please give us a call on 0330 123 1860 or visit our fire safety page below to find out more!