Tips for a Safe and Cosy Bonfire Night

Tips for a Safe and Cosy Bonfire Night

As we’re getting closer to the 5th November, some of you may be thinking about hosting a Bonfire Night garden party at home, so you will have to start organising it and preparing the guest list! But be aware, fire and children are not the best combination, so you must ensure safety and take the necessary precautions to avoid accidents. Follow our top tips on how to keep everyone safe while you celebrate Bonfire Night.

1. Choose the right fireworks

Make sure you buy suitable fireworks for your home, taking into account the size of your garden and your home space! Also, it’s important to check that they are marked with British Standard number BS 7114, as these comply with British safety standards. – LOFA (Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association).

2. Assure your home safety

Build your bonfire a safe distance away from any tree or garden furniture. If you have little ones playing around your garden, you may even want to put up a barrier to keep them far away from the fire. Also, make sure you have a bucket of water or sand nearby in case anything goes wrong. You must always have a plan B!

3. First aid kit

Keep a first aid kit prepared in case someone suffers a burn from a sparkler or firework! The steps to follow are:

• Run cool or lukewarm water over the affected area for at least 10 minutes.
• Remove any clothing or Jewellery near to the burnt area
• Cover the burn with Cling film, to prevent infection and head for your nearest Accident and Emergency if necessary.
• Please see the NHS Advise page on burns here

4. Protect your pets from the fireworks

Loud noises and bright lights from fireworks can induce disorientation and anxiety in your pets. Keep them inside your house so they are in a safe location are not near the fireworks and ensure that all windows are closed to reduce the sound of the explosions.

5. Respect your garden nature

Don’t forget insects or other animals that live in your garden might be near to your bonfire sleeping! Make sure to check everything before starting your home party. Also, never use flammable liquids. This can destroy the existing organic materials and make your garden an unhealthy space for children to play.

6. Be careful with sparklers

We can all agree that sparklers are fun for children and adults, but if we do not use them correctly, they can be dangerous! To have fun with sparklers in a safe way use them in an open space. If you have children, ensure they hold sparklers with gloves and horizontally, as far away from their face and body as possible. Also, it’s highly important to have a bucket of water or sand close by to place the used sparklers, just so no one ends up touching the wrong end of the sparkler.

7. Messy parties are not allowed!

Once the party is finished make sure you clean everything well! We recommend pouring water on the bonfire instead of leaving it to burn out, as this will extinguish the flames straight away. Also, ensure that you responsibly throw away the waste produced by fireworks. If you want to prepare for the perfect bonfire party, you will have to organise everything beforehand and once it is over you should return your garden as it was. If you are looking for other ways to take advantage of your garden, read some of our latest blog posts for inspiration, whether you want to grow fruit or veg at home or encourage your children to be little farmers.