Don’t play with (Bon)fire Night: our snappy guide on staying safe
Nothing says ‘autumn’ quite like Guy Fawkes night, also known as – Bonfire Night. Up and down the country, people gather on 5th of November not only to commemorate Guy Fawkes’ foiled assassination attempt but to revel in the community spirit.
But it’s not all sparklers and pretty firework displays. Bonfire Night– can also be a recipe for accidents, opportunists and crime.
Our tips on how to stay safe while you celebrate will help you to ‘remember, remember the 5th of November’ for the right reasons.
Make it official
A well-tended bonfire is a sight to behold, but still has the ability to be exceptionally dangerous if the proper precautions aren’t taken.
In fact, last year’s Bonfire Night saw someone seeking advice for burns every 21 seconds, an increase of over a quarter compared to normal. [1] It’s no wonder that Bonfire Night tends to be the fire and rescue service’s busiest night of the year. [2]
It’s always safer to attend an official fireworks display rather than doing it at home, but if you are purchasing fireworks then make sure they have a CE or UKCA mark, which shows they’ve been tested for safety. When lighting the firework, use a taper and stand back, and keep open flames, e.g. cigarettes, away from them at all times. [3]
Likewise, it’s always better to attend an official bonfire event rather than kindling your own at home. But if you are, make sure you’ve chosen a site that’s away from any wood – e.g. sheds, fences – and always have at least a bucket of water nearby in case things get out of hand. When you’ve finished, manually snuff the fire out instead of waiting for it to die down.
You can find more bonfire and firework safety tips here.
Things that go bump in the night
It’s not just fire that can get out of hand on Bonfire Night. Crime can also be an issue, with reports of theft and anti-social behaviour prevalent each year. Plus, winter in general tends to feature an uptick in crime, particularly theft-related offences, [4] which means you’ll want to be extra vigilant on Guy Fawkes Night.
If you haven’t already, consider investing in a doorbell with a camera, a good sensor lighting system for the front of your house and a good alarm system, all of which can deter thieves. Make sure that you always lock your doors, too, even when you’re inside – historically, a staggering 70% of burglars gained entry via the front door. [5] Windows should also be locked.
If you’re a farmer or landowner, consider organising regular patrols on Bonfire Night, and keep any animals indoors or sufficiently secured where this isn’t possible. If you know the neighbours surrounding the land, give them your phone number and ask them if they can keep an eye out for any suspicious activity.
Staying safe this Bonfire Night
Before you make plans this year, make sure you take time to review your current cover. Whether you are running a public event, or something smaller in your garden, it is vital you are protected should the worst happen.
Contact us on 01564 730 900 for any insurance enquiries or to ensure you’re fully protected this Fireworks Night.
[1] NHS England » NHS burns advice sought every 21 seconds over Bonfire Night weekend
[2] Bonfire night: new statistics show fire and rescue services slashed | Fire Brigades Union (fbu.org.uk)
[3] https://www.rospa.com/policy/home-safety/advice/fireworks-safety
[4] Ward off Halloween home horrors as malicious damage and theft claims rise – Aviva plc
[5] Overview of burglary and other household theft – Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
