Firework Safety For Bonfire Night

29th Oct 2021

It’s fast approaching Bonfire Night and there will undoubtedly be thousands of people enjoying some bonfire and firework fun. Bonfire Night is a great way to celebrate with friends and family. Whether you’re at a public event or celebrating in your garden, fireworks are a necessity. With fireworks, comes the importance of safety.

If you are celebrating in your garden, it’s important to understand the serious side of fireworks, and the possible dangers that can come with them.

Our top tips for fireworks are:

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE FIREWORK CODE*

• Do not buy fireworks from UNLICENCED retailers. These fireworks may be unsafe and illegal.
• Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114 (the British Standard for the safety of fireworks) or the CE marking (showing they conform to European safety standards).
• Always keep fireworks in a closed box. Take them out one at a time and close the box.
• Never put fireworks in your pocket.
• Be considerate. Let your neighbours know you will be having a display, especially if they are elderly or have pets or children.
• Avoid setting fireworks off late at night, particularly if it is a school-night.
• Ensure your pets are safe.
• Carefully follow the instructions on EACH firework.
• Never go back to a lit firework unless the instructions advise otherwise.
• Never throw fireworks; it is dangerous.
• Light fireworks one at a time, at the end of the fuse, and at arm’s length.
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear suitable gloves, even when lighting them.
• Never give sparklers to a child under the age of 5.
• Never throw spent fireworks on a bonfire.

* The British Fireworks Association

Causing a nuisance to neighbours

Always respect the community you live in. Be considerate. Let your neighbours know you will be having a display, especially if they are elderly or have pets or children.

Always remember that setting off fireworks between 11pm and 7am is illegal – except during certain celebrations such as Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.

If you buy fireworks for personal use, you are only allowed to use them on your private property or property where you have the consent of the landowner.

It is considered a criminal offence to set off fireworks in the street or other public places without permission, and you can contact the police if someone is doing this.

If you want to celebrate with fireworks, always make sure that you are doing it on your private land i.e., your personal garden. If you live in a built-up area, we recommend not to set off fireworks.

What if I live in a block of flats?

If you live in a block of flats, we strongly advise to NOT set off fireworks anywhere near your building, as this can put residents in significant danger should one of the fireworks go astray.

In 2019, there was an incident whereby fireworks were set off from the balcony of a high-rise building, not only is this exceptionally dangerous for both yourself and residents, but it is also breaking the terms of your lease, and this can put you into a serious predicament with your landlord.

If you’re a flat owner and want to enjoy some firework fun, why not make a night of it, and go to an official public event.

Pets

We all love our furry friends, but many animals find fireworks scary. During nights where you know fireworks are going to be set off, always ensure your pets are safe and inside. Closing all windows and doors and blocking off catflaps to keep noise to a minimum will also help.

It is also recommended that you make sure they have somewhere to hide and are comfortable, whether that is somewhere under a table or in a pet box. It may be worthwhile getting a blanket for them so that they are more comfortable.

Your four key responsibilities for Bonfire Night:

• Keep yourself and others safe
• Keep all pets and animals indoors
• Respect the community in which you live
• Enjoy yourself – safely!