Did you know?
- Approximately 900 accidental fires in the home start every year in England from candles.
- Around 100 fires in homes and buildings in England are started by fireworks every year.
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, birthdays, Diwali, Halloween, or enjoying fireworks on bonfire night – make sure you do it safely.
Tips to stay safe
You can stay safe by following simple tips and by taking precautions.
- Always turn fairy and Christmas tree lights off and remove the plug at night, and when the room will be unoccupied for a length of time.
- Do not overload plug sockets.
- Ensure candles are in proper holders so they can’t fall over, and do not leave lit candles unattended for any length of time.
- Make sure open fires are well guarded and that wrapping paper and decorations are kept well away.
- Make sure smokers put out their cigarettes completely.
- Take extra care after drinking alcohol.
- Push the button, not your luck and check your smoke alarms are working. Don’t be tempted to use the batteries to power any Christmas presents
- Make a plan for getting out of your home safely in case of an emergency. Make sure everyone including guests know where all window and door keys are kept.
- Don’t be distracted when cooking – fire starts when your attention stops.
The Firework Code
We advise you to attend organised displays as this is the safest way to enjoy fireworks. In light of Covid-19 guidelines and many organised displays being cancelled this year, if you do decide to have a firework display in your garden, stay safe and follow the Firework Code:
- only buy fireworks which display the CE mark
- keep fireworks in a closed box
- only adults should set fireworks off
- follow the instructions on each firework
- light all fireworks at arm’s-length
- stand well back
- always supervise children around fireworks and sparklers
- keep pets indoors
- never go back to a lit firework
- never put fireworks in your pocket
- never throw fireworks
- don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
- don’t let off fireworks after 11pm
Only people aged 18 or over can legally buy fireworks.
Bonfire safety
We would usually advise you to attend an organised bonfire however due to Covid-19 guidelines, if you do decide to hold your own there are safety tips to consider:
- your bonfire must be built and supervised by an adult
- build your bonfire well clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences, trees and hedges
- check your bonfire thoroughly in daylight, but as late as you can before lighting.
- check for hibernating animals such as hedgehogs - piles of warm, dry material are good accommodation for their winter sleep
- only burn wood, never burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture or batteries
- never use flammable liquids to start your bonfire
- keep a bucket of water or hosepipe nearby
- never leave your bonfire unattended
- only use water to put your bonfire out
- ensure your fire is out properly and you make the surroundings safe before you leave
- only build a bonfire in your own garden, we council will remove bonfires built on open land