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Halloween and Bonfire Night

Halloween and bonfire night, are traditionally some of the busiest nights of the year for the police, the fire brigade and other agencies, with anti-social behaviour becoming a major issue for many communities in the UK.

Incorrect use of fireworks and the damage that can be caused is a serious concern and poses threats to all types of properties including homes and commercial premises.

Here are some of our tips on staying safe, but of course still having some fun.

In the workplace…

  • Ensure that all areas of the premises are made secure at the end of the working day and doors, windows; skylights and other possible means of entry through which fireworks could be introduced are properly closed and locked.
  • In areas where the risk of antisocial behaviour is perceived as high, consideration should be given to protecting letter boxes internally with proprietary metal containers, designed to contain fires from lighted materials such as fireworks. A number of such products are widely available, including those which incorporate an automatic fire extinguisher, offering enhanced protection.
  • Take particular care to ensure that all yards and open areas surrounding the premises are clear of accumulated rubbish and that waste bins are appropriately located and secured.
  • Timber pallets, plastic crates and other combustible materials stored in the open should be kept to a minimum and located a suitable distance away from the buildings.
  • Flammable liquids and gases should be confined to their designated storage facilities.
  • Vegetation surrounding the buildings is cut back and removed.

At home…

  • Only buy fireworks that comply with British Standard 7114 or its European equivalent.

Instructions should be in English.

  • Don’t drink alcohol if you’re lighting fireworks.
  • Keep fireworks in a closed box.
  • Follow the instructions on each firework and be sure they’re suitable for home use.
  • Light fireworks at arm’s length using a taper.
  • Stand well back.
  • Never go near a firework that has been lit. If it hasn’t yet gone off, it could still explode.
  • Never throw fireworks or put them in your pocket.
  • Always supervise children around fireworks.
  • Keep pets indoors.

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We are Personal and Commercial Insurance Brokers based in Newquay, Cornwall covering the whole of the UK.