Family Guide to a Safe Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, is a magical time filled with dazzling fireworks, crackling bonfires, and delicious treats. Celebrated on or around the 5th November each year, it’s a tradition that families across the UK look forward to, offering a perfect opportunity to come together and enjoy the festive atmosphere. However, amidst the excitement, it’s essential to remember that fireworks, bonfires, and sparklers can pose safety risks, especially for children and pets.

Ensuring your family’s safety while still enjoying the evening to its fullest doesn’t have to be difficult. By following a few simple guidelines and planning ahead, you can make sure that your Bonfire Night celebrations are safe, enjoyable, and stress-free for everyone. Here are some key family safety tips to help you prepare for the big night.

1. Attending an Organised Event

While it’s tempting to host your own fireworks display in the garden, attending an organised event is often the safest option, especially if you have young children. Large public displays are run by professionals who have experience handling fireworks and know how to manage crowds safely. Plus, these events often offer better fireworks, larger bonfires, and a more exciting atmosphere, all without the added stress of doing it yourself.

Check your local listings for organised Bonfire Night events, and ensure that the venue follows proper safety protocols, including designated viewing areas and safe distances from the bonfire and fireworks.

Tip: Arrive early to get a good spot, and dress warmly! Even though the bonfire will provide some warmth, November nights in the UK can be chilly, so layering up with coats, hats, scarves, and gloves is essential.

2. Firework Safety at Home

If you’re planning to host your own fireworks display at home, safety should be your top priority. Fireworks are fun, but they can also be dangerous if not handled correctly. Here are some important safety guidelines to follow:

• Purchase fireworks from a reputable seller: Always buy fireworks that are legal and marked with the BS 7114 or CE safety standard. Avoid homemade or illegal fireworks.
• Store fireworks safely: Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from children and pets. Only take out each firework when you are ready to use it.
• Light fireworks at arm’s length: Use a long taper or firework lighter to ignite fireworks, and never lean over them while lighting.
• Stand well back: Ensure that everyone, including children, is standing at a safe distance from the firework launch area. Fireworks can be unpredictable, and it’s essential to give them plenty of space.
• Never return to a lit firework: If a firework doesn’t go off, don’t approach it immediately. It could still be live, and returning too soon can lead to serious injuries.
• Have a bucket of water or sand nearby: This is essential for putting out any small fires or dousing used fireworks.

It’s also important to remember that fireworks should never be handled by children. Leave the lighting to responsible adults who are aware of the safety precautions.

3. Bonfire Safety

Building a bonfire is a fun tradition, but it comes with its own set of risks. If you’re hosting a bonfire in your garden, here’s how to ensure it’s done safely:

• Position your bonfire carefully: Choose a location that is well away from houses, fences, trees, and sheds. Ensure that the bonfire is far enough from where people will be standing.
• Use dry materials: Only burn dry wood and paper. Avoid using anything that might explode or give off toxic fumes, such as household rubbish, plastic, or damp wood.
• Never use petrol or accelerants: It may seem like a quick way to get the fire started, but using petrol or other flammable liquids can lead to uncontrollable fires and serious accidents. Instead, use firelighters designed for bonfires or barbecues.
• Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby: Always have a bucket of water or a garden hose at the ready in case the fire gets out of control.
• Supervise the fire at all times: Never leave a bonfire unattended, especially if there are children or pets around. Once the evening is over, make sure the fire is completely out by pouring water or sand on it and stirring the ashes.

4. Sparkler Safety for Kids

Sparklers are a Bonfire Night favourite, especially with children, but they can reach temperatures of up to 2,000°C, which makes them one of the most dangerous fireworks. To keep your little ones safe while still letting them enjoy the fun, follow these safety tips:

• Always supervise: Children should never be left alone with sparklers. Make sure an adult is always present to help and supervise.
• Give sparklers to children aged 5 and over: Younger children may not have the coordination to handle sparklers safely. Even with older children, make sure they understand the importance of holding sparklers at arm’s length.
• Use gloves: Give your children gloves to wear while holding sparklers to protect their hands from the heat.
• Light sparklers one at a time: Never hand out multiple sparklers or let children light their own. Always light sparklers one at a time and make sure children stand at a safe distance from each other.
• Dispose of sparklers safely: Once the sparkler has burned out, make sure it is placed in a bucket of water to cool down before disposal. Spent sparklers can remain dangerously hot, so never leave them lying around.

5. Pet Safety During Bonfire Night

While Bonfire Night is fun for families, it can be stressful for pets. The loud noises and flashing lights from fireworks can cause anxiety in animals. Here’s how to keep your pets calm and safe:

• Keep pets indoors: On Bonfire Night, it’s best to keep dogs, cats, and small animals inside the house. Ensure windows and doors are closed to reduce the noise from outside.
• Create a safe space: Set up a quiet room with your pet’s favourite bedding and toys to make them feel more secure. You can also try playing calming music or turning on the TV to help drown out the sound of fireworks.
• Use pet-safe fireworks products: Consider using calming products like pet anxiety wraps, plug-in diffusers, or calming sprays to help reduce their stress.

Conclusion

Bonfire Night is a time for fun, fireworks, and family, but it’s also a time to be mindful of safety, especially when you have children and pets to consider. By following these simple safety tips, you can ensure that your Bonfire Night celebrations are both enjoyable and safe. Whether you’re attending an organised display or hosting your own gathering at home, a little preparation and caution will go a long way in making the night memorable for all the right reasons.