We need to discuss bonfire safety. With the summer now behind us, it’s time to turn our attention to the autumnal equinox and one of its most hallowed traditions, bonfire night.
Bonfire night is a great opportunity to get together with family and friends and enjoy the fireworks. However, we all want to make sure our celebrations are safe as well as fun.
While you may be used to lighting up your garden at this time of year, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. If you’re planning on having a big firework display on November 1st you need to be careful.
Here are some tips for how best to prepare for Bonfire Night so that everyone stays safe.
Bonfire Safety Tips
Bonfire night is a great time to get together with friends and family and enjoy some fireworks. However, it’s important to remember that there are strict safety rules when it comes to fireworks. Bonfires and fireworks are dangerous if not used properly so make sure you follow these tips:
Bonfire Safety Tip 1: Keep the Bonfire Small
You should only have a bonfire if you’re sure it won’t be a danger to anyone or anything. If you do build your own, have bonfire safety in mind and keep it small and make sure that it won’t spread too far.
Building your fire well away from houses, garden fences and overhead cables is a good start. Make sure you build it in a safe place. Move the fire if necessary; never leave it unattended. Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case things go wrong.
If you are building a bonfire at home, do not use petrol or paraffin accelerants (like lighter fuel). Instead, focus on bonfire safety and choose something like charcoal starter cubes that contain no dangerous chemicals if any of them accidentally fall into the flames. This will help ensure that even if there is an accident it doesn’t get out of hand quickly enough for anyone nearby to harm themselves badly before being able to react appropriately.
Bonfire Safety Tip 2: Keep Buckets of Water or Sand Nearby
Bonfire safety is a serious matter. It may seem like the only thing you have to worry about when building a bonfire is keeping your marshmallows from getting burnt. But there are actually many hazards associated with outdoor fires.
Fire buckets filled with sand or water are used to put out fires. Fire buckets require zero technology and is a very basic of fire prevention. The buckets are usually placed on stands that have been specifically designed for them, and they can be found near many potential sources of fire. For example, barbeques, petrol stations, and hyperbaric chambers.
Oil fires are resistant to water, but small bonfires can be extinguished by using a sand bucket to starve them of oxygen. Sand buckets also act as makeshift fire extinguishers on smaller liquid spills like fuel oil or gasoline
Stray sparks can travel long distances and spark fires in other places if they land on flammable material like dry leaves or grass. Additionally, sparks can cause burns and eye injuries if they strike someone’s skin or eyesight.
Bonfire Safety Tip 3: Stand Well Back After Lighting Sparklers
Sparklers are the perfect way to celebrate this bonfire night, but they can also be dangerous if they’re not used properly. Sparklers are small sticks that have a fuse at one end and burn with a bright flame when you hold them against something flammable.
The flames are typically no more than 12 inches long, making them safe enough for adults to use without supervision; however, sparklers should never be used by children under the age of 13 without adult supervision.
Here are some firework sparkler safety tips:
- Never give a sparkler to a child under 5 years old.
- Don’t wear loose clothing or jewellery that can catch alight easily, as these items may be accidentally set on fire by a stray sparkler. Also make sure any hair is tied back so it doesn’t get singed by sparks.
- Avoid using them on windy days, and keep an eye out for any children nearby who might be tempted to pick one up off the ground. They might not realise how hot they are. Always supervise children when they’re playing with sparklers, especially if there’s strong winds blowing around them.
Bonfire Safety Tip 4: Have A Fire Extinguisher On Hand
Bonfire safety is vital and bonfire night is a great time to get together with family and friends but it can be dangerous for children and adults alike. Close to 75% of bonfires are started in the home. Fire extinguishers can help you put out small fires before they grow into something more serious.
What Is A Fire Extinguisher?
A fire extinguisher is a portable device used to extinguish or control small fires. It consists of a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent which can be released to extinguish a fire. Essentially, it works by releasing the correct amount of pressurised gas or liquid onto the flames, which interrupts combustion and suffocates the fire by depriving it of oxygen.
Why Do I Need A Fire Extinguisher On Bonfire Night?
A fire extinguisher is vital for celebrating bonfire night with bonfire safety in mind. The risk of fire is heightened when you’re burning large amounts of wood and other materials. In addition, it’s important to have an extinguisher at the ready.
Also, it’s a good idea to let someone know where your fire extinguisher is and how to use it, so they can come to your aid if they need to. If you don’t have one, there are plenty of ways to enjoy bonfire night without ignoring bonfire safety measures.
Now that you know what a fire extinguisher is and why you need to use one, it’s time to get one! You can find a range of different types of extinguishers on the market but make sure you choose one that meets your needs. If you have any questions about choosing the right extinguisher or which ones are suitable for bonfires then please contact us at OHEAP Fire & Security. We would love to hear from you and help out with any bonfire safety queries or concerns.
Bonfire Safety Tip 5: The Firework Code
If you’re thinking of setting off fireworks this year, then it’s important that you know the firework code. The firework and bonfire safety code is a set of rules that will help keep you and your family safe when setting off fireworks.
Only Buy Fireworks CE Marked
You should only buy fireworks that are CE-marked. CE marking indicates that a product has met all of the standards set by the European Union for health, safety and environmental impact.
Don’t Drink Alcohol If Setting Off Fireworks
Even if you’re not going to set off fireworks yourself, it’s worth knowing the firework code. It applies to everyone, from those who are hosting a party and want to do things safely, to spectators who want to watch a display safely.
The main rule is simple: don’t drink alcohol if you’re setting off fireworks.
Alcohol can make us more reckless than usual and less able to think clearly. Therefore, mixing alcohol with fireworks can be very dangerous indeed!
If you find yourself at a party where someone else is setting off fireworks then it’s important for them too, don’t encourage them by drinking yourself as well.
Keep Fireworks In A Closed Box
Make sure to keep fireworks in a closed box. Make sure they are not near any flammable materials, children or pets.
Follow The Instructions On Each Firework
You should follow the instructions on each firework. This will help you to avoid injury, damage to property and breaking the law. If there is anything that you don’t understand about a firework, get help from someone who does know about it.
Light Them At Arm’s Length Using A Taper
When lighting fireworks, always use a taper to light the fuse. Never hold a firework in one hand while attempting to light it with the other.
Stand Well Back
The best way to stay safe is to stand well back. That’s 25 metres away from where you are lighting the firework. The safest place to be is in a building, but if that’s not possible then make sure there are no flammable materials around and ideally wear some safety goggles or glasses.
The closer you are, the more dangerous it is because the explosion will cause a lot of heat and light which could burn or blind you. If there isn’t enough space for everyone to get clear of an area and find cover within three seconds after lighting fireworks, then don’t use them at all because it’s too dangerous for people nearby.
Never Go Near A Firework That Has Been Lit
Even if it hasn’t gone off, a firework can still explode. If you are injured by a firework, seek immediate medical attention.
Never Put Fireworks In Your Pocket Or Throw Them
You should never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them. This is not only dangerous for you, but it could also injure other people.
Always Supervise Children Around Fireworks
It is the responsibility of a parent or guardian to supervise children around fireworks. This means they should be present at all times while they are being used and should make sure that no unsupervised child handles fireworks.
Light Sparklers One At A Time And Wear Gloves
Sparklers are not toys and should only be used by an adult. They can get very hot, so always wear gloves when you hold one. Never let children use sparklers or play with them, even for a moment. Keep sparklers away from children and pets, as they can easily cause burns if mishandled.
Sparklers must be kept away from flammable materials such as dry grass or leaves.
Keep Pets Indoors
If you have pets, consider keeping them indoors during fireworks displays. While your pet may seem to be unfazed by the noise and bright lights of fireworks, it’s important to remember that they can be frightened by the sounds and terrified by loud booms.
Finally
The fireworks code is a good set of rules to follow when you are setting off fireworks safely. The key points are not to drink alcohol if setting off fireworks, keep them in a closed box and follow the instructions on each firework. It is also important not to put sparklers in your pocket or throw them at someone else because they could still explode even if they haven’t gone off yet!
What Is Bonfire Night?
Bonfire Night is a yearly tradition in Britain. It’s held on November 5th, and it’s a chance for people to come together and celebrate something that happened over 410 years ago. Bonfire Night is a great way to celebrate British history and culture, no matter where you live in the world. It’s a day for all people who love this country to come together and celebrate our achievements, as well as the traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Bonfire Night celebrates the failed Gunpowder Plot, a plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament and kill King James I. The plan was organised by Robert Catesby, a devout English Catholic who hoped to kill the Protestant King James and establish Catholic rule in England. The plot was foiled on November 5th 1605 by an anonymous letter sent to William Parker, 4th Baron Monteagle.
Still today this British tradition is celebrated every year around this time period on November 5th.
Conclusion
Finally, knowing that this blog surrounds bonfire safety, make sure your bonfire is well away from nearby buildings. As well as buildings, keep it away from fences and other combustible materials. Keep a bucket of water on hand to douse any stray embers that may fly off the top of the fire. For more fire safety, check out our passive fire protection.