Bonfires and fireworks

Autumn has arrived, the days are getting shorter and the nights longer. You may be preparing the garden for winter and arranging any rubbish for a seasonal bonfire. And, at this time of year, where there's a bonfire there could be fireworks.

Keep your distance

Bonfires and fireworks can be a good excuse to bring together family and friends to enjoy the autumn nights, but they do require a bit of caution as many people, including children, are at risk of injury. In fact, in 2015-16, there were over 5,200 injuries caused by fireworks. 

Often the best way to enjoy fireworks and bonfires is at larger public displays, where 'official' health and safety precautions are in place. With private displays, you might be tempted to ignore basic rules like making sure people are a safe distance from where you're launching the rockets or setting off the Catherine Wheels.

Take sparklers, for instance. They could be seen as harmless, given you can hold them when lit, but be warned! Sparklers can burn at temperatures similar to a welding torch, upward of 1000°C so it's important to take precautions by wearing gloves and supervising youngsters.

Are you covered?

One thing you should also check before you organise this sort of event is whether your home insurance covers you for any accidental damage. This could be caused by things like stray fireworks or bonfires spreading to a shed, or worse, your house.

Safety first

If you decide to have a bonfire, or put on your own fireworks display with sparklers, consider these safety tips to make it safe and enjoyable.

• Keep spectators at a safe distance.

• Always light your fireworks at arm's length and never return to it once it's been lit.

• Have one person in charge of the bonfire, making sure it can't spread and always have a bucket of water or sand nearby as a precaution.

• Supervise children at all times around fireworks and bonfires.

• Wear gloves when using sparklers, and don't hold them near your face.

If you're not sure what your home insurance covers or you'd like to review your cover, please get in touch