23/10/2024

Bonfire Night safety tips for families: A guide to staying safe and enjoying the festivities

Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, is a quintessentially British tradition celebrated on the 5th of November. Families gather to enjoy bonfires, fireworks, sparklers, and delicious autumn treats. While it's a night filled with excitement and wonder, it’s also a time when accidents can happen if proper precautions aren’t taken. Fireworks, bonfires, and crowds all pose potential risks, especially for families with young children.

We're sharing essential safety tips to make sure that you and your family can enjoy Bonfire Night while staying safe. From bonfire safety to handling fireworks, and ensuring children and pets are secure, this guide covers everything you need to know for a safe and fun celebration.

Firework safety: A must for every family

Fireworks are often the highlight of Bonfire Night, but they can also be dangerous if not handled properly. Whether you're attending a professional display or lighting fireworks at home, following firework safety tips is essential.

Attending a public firework display

• Attend organized events: Professional displays are generally much safer than DIY fireworks, with controlled environments and professionals handling the explosives
• Stay behind barriers: Always follow the instructions of event organizers, staying behind designated safety barriers. These are there to protect you from debris and potential mishaps
• Keep an eye on children: With large crowds and loud noises, it's easy for children to become overwhelmed or disoriented. Ensure they stay close by and know where to go in case of separation

Handling fireworks at home

• Purchase from licensed retailers: Only buy fireworks from reputable sources that comply with UK regulations. Make sure they are marked with a CE or UKCA mark to indicate they meet safety standards
• Follow the instructions: Always read the instructions before using fireworks, even if you think you’re familiar with them. Every firework can behave differently
• Clear the area: Ensure the area is free of flammable materials, and have a bucket of water or hose nearby in case of an emergency
• Use a taper: Light fireworks at arm's length using a taper, and never go back to a lit firework, even if it appears to be a dud
• Keep a safe distance: Everyone, especially children, should stand far back after lighting the firework. The general advice is at least 15-20 metres away
• Never hold fireworks: Sparklers are the only handheld fireworks, but even these can be dangerous (see sparklers section below). Never attempt to light or hold any other firework.

Sparkler safety: bright fun, but handle with care

Sparklers are a favourite among children, but they can burn at temperatures of up to 2,000°C – five times hotter than cooking oil! Here’s how to handle them safely.

• Adult supervision: Sparklers should only be given to children under strict adult supervision. It's best for children under five to avoid sparklers entirely, as they may struggle to handle them safely
• Use gloves: Always wear gloves when handling sparklers, preferably thick, cotton ones. Even the rods can cause burns after the sparkler has burned out
• Safe lighting and disposal: Light sparklers one at a time and make sure everyone is standing far apart from one another. Once the sparkler is out, immerse it in water immediately to cool it down before disposing of it in a bin.
• Explain safety to children: Make sure children know not to run with sparklers, wave them near others, or touch the glowing end. Encourage them to hold the sparkler at arm’s length and away from their faces

Bonfire Safety: How to Keep the Flames Contained

Bonfires are another central part of Bonfire Night. While they provide warmth and ambience, they can also be dangerous if not managed correctly.

• Location is key: Clear an area: Build the bonfire away from homes, sheds, fences, and trees to avoid accidental spreading. The bonfire should be at least 18 metres away from any structure. Check for underground hazards: If you’re building a fire on soft ground, check for any underground hazards like cables or gas lines
• Building the bonfire: Keep it small: While it might be tempting to create a massive bonfire, a smaller, well-contained fire is much safer. Avoid piling it too high or wide. Only burn appropriate materials: Use dry wood or paper to build the fire. Never use petrol, paraffin, or other accelerants to light the fire. Also, avoid burning household items or treated wood, which can release toxic fumes
• Supervision and control: Never leave a bonfire unattended, and always have a responsible adult in charge. Keep a bucket of water, sand, or a fire extinguisher nearby in case the fire gets out of control. Make sure everyone stands a safe distance away from the bonfire. Bonfires can shift and collapse unexpectedly, so keeping a wide berth is essential
• Extinguishing the fire: Once the night’s festivities are over, ensure the bonfire is completely extinguished. Douse it with water, stir the embers, and douse again until it’s completely out.

Clothing Safety: Dressing for the Occasion

While fireworks and bonfires are exciting, they come with the risk of flying embers and sparks. Choosing the right clothing can help protect you and your family.

• Wear natural fibre: Choose clothing made of cotton or wool, as synthetic fibres like nylon or polyester can melt if they come into contact with high heat or sparks
• Avoid loose clothing: Loose clothing, scarves, and long dangling accessories can easily catch fire. Make sure everyone, especially children, is dressed in fitted clothing
• Layer up: November evenings are chilly, so dress warmly. However, keep in mind that bonfire night involves exposure to heat sources, so make sure the layers can be adjusted to avoid overheating

Keeping Children Safe: Enjoying the Fun Without the Risks

Bonfire Night can be especially overwhelming for younger children. The combination of loud noises, bright lights, and large crowds can sometimes cause distress or lead to accidents. Here are some tips to keep them safe and happy.

• Educate them about safety: Before heading out, talk to your children about the potential dangers of fireworks, bonfires, and sparklers. Make sure they understand the importance of staying at a safe distance from these hazards
• Use ear protection: Fireworks can be loud and startling, especially for young children. Ear defenders can help protect their ears and reduce anxiety caused by the loud bangs
• Keep them visible: If you’re attending a public event at night, make sure your children are easily visible. Dress them in bright or reflective clothing, and consider giving them glow sticks or small torches to hold
• Hand-holding and supervision: Crowds can easily cause little ones to get lost, so always hold hands and keep them within arm’s reach. If you're attending a large event, it’s also a good idea to write your phone number on a card and tuck it into their pockets in case they get separated

Pet Safety: A Stress-Free Night for Your Furry Friends

While Bonfire Night is a thrill for humans, it can be terrifying for pets. The loud bangs and flashes can cause significant stress to dogs, cats, and other animals.

• Keep pets indoors: It’s best to keep your pets indoors, in a quiet, secure area away from the noise. Close the curtains and turn on the TV or some soothing music to help drown out the sounds of fireworks
• Create a safe space: Make sure your pet has a comfortable space to retreat to if they feel scared. A cosy bed or a crate with familiar toys can provide comfort
• Avoid walking during fireworks: If you have dogs, walk them earlier in the day to avoid being outside when fireworks are going off. Frightened pets can bolt, so it’s best to stay indoors once the fireworks start
• Update microchip Information: Make sure your pets are microchipped and that the details are up to date, just in case they manage to escape due to fear

General Health and First Aid: Be Prepared for the Unexpected

It’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand during Bonfire Night, especially if you’re hosting your own event.

• Treating burns: If someone suffers a burn, cool the burn immediately with cold running water for at least 20 minutes. Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick dressing and seek medical help if necessary.
• Eye injuries: In case of an eye injury, never rub or apply pressure to the eye. If a firework-related injury occurs, seek professional medical help immediately
• Keep emergency numbers handy: In case of more serious incidents, know the number for emergency services and have a fully charged phone available

Have fun, be safe!

Bonfire Night is a fantastic tradition that can create magical memories for families, but safety should always be the top priority. By following these guidelines, you can reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that your evening is filled with fun, excitement, and joy.

Whether you're enjoying the warmth of a bonfire, the sparkle of fireworks, or the crackling of sparklers, staying vigilant and prepared will keep everyone safe and sound.

Enjoy a bright and safe Bonfire Night!

Want a bit of background to Bonfire Night? Check out our Fun Facts on Guy Fawkes.