Let’s all stay safe on Bonfire Night | Tenant news

Only 11 more sleeps until Bonfire Night festivities light up the sky and while it’s an enjoyable evening for most, it’s important not to forget about keeping yourself, your loved ones and your pets safe.

If you’re attending a bonfire and fireworks display, here are some helpful tips on staying safe.

Head to a local event

Head to a local council-run display. It’s safer, most are free and if not free there’s usually only a small entrance fee.

Check your local newspaper or your council’s website to find out where your local Bonfire Night fireworks are happening.

Closer to home

If you and your family are thinking of lighting even just a sparkler in your garden, please: 

1. Do not light bonfires in your gardens or communal outdoor areas. It’s much safer to go to a local event instead.
2. Ensure dogs and cats are inside. Give any smaller animals who live outside - such as rabbits or guinea pigs lots of extra bedding and nesting material to burrow in or, if you’ve got a garden shed, perhaps move them in there for the evening.
3. Give your immediate neighbours advance notice if you’re planning to let off fireworks in your garden so they can bring their pets in, too.
4. Ensure there are no flammable items immediately next to where you’ll be lighting any fireworks.
5. Read all the instructions on the firework box thoroughly before you light it, and everyone should be standing at least 25 metres away from the firing area. 
6. Take a look at the Office for Product Safety and Standards’ tips on how to use fireworks responsibly before lighting any. 
7. Respect your community by sticking to the fireworks curfew. It’s against the law for anyone to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am.  
   
   

Final words on safety

Please read our fire safety tips for more advice on what to do if a fire breaks out inside or outside of your home.

And look at the Fire Brigade’s Bonfire Night safety advice, which includes safety tips for bonfires, sparklers and fireworks.

If a fire does get out of control, ensure people and animals are well away from the area and that everyone who was enjoying the evening with you is present. Call 999 and ask for the Fire Brigade.