Bonfire Night Safety: Six Expert Tips to Stay Safe and Avoid Insurance Hassles
Homeowners are being urged to take precautions this bonfire season to prevent serious injuries, property damage, and avoid costly insurance claims.
Home insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk have shared six essential safety tips for anyone planning to host their own fireworks displays or bonfires.
Fire services across the UK record hundreds of bonfire and firework-related callouts every year around Bonfire Night – with claims for fire damage also increasing during this period.
While many standard home insurance policies cover accidental fire and smoke damage, experts highlight the importance of reviewing cover prior to any celebrations.
Safety is a major concern, with the NHS reporting over 8000 visits to their burns and scalds advice page during Bonfire Night Weekend – equivalent to one visit every 21 seconds.*
To help reduce these risks, a range of practical safety measures should be put in place, including positioning bonfires well away from buildings and outbuildings, firework supervision at all times, safe disposal of materials, and maintaining safe distances for guests.
Helen Rolph, home insurance expert at Quotezone said: “Autumn is full of festivities, from fireworks to bonfires and sparklers, and households hosting garden parties with barbecues and firepits – all of which can be dangerous if not organised properly, so it’s essential to be well prepared.
“Damage to property or serious injuries can occur even from just a small garden gathering if you aren’t following safety measures and planning ahead.
“Simple steps like checking the weather, supervising fires, and ensuring buildings and people are a safe distance from any potential hazards can make all the difference in preventing accidents and ensuring your insurance policies remain valid in the event of any damage.”
Six tips to stay safe and help avoid insurance headaches this Bonfire season:
- Keep your bonfire a safe distance
Make sure to build bonfires well clear of buildings, sheds, fences and hedges. Never use flammable liquids or burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans or foam furniture. Always check the weather and avoid lighting in high winds – flying embers and sparks can easily cause accidental fires.
2. Never leave a fire or fireworks unattended
A responsible adult should be kept in charge, with a bucket of water or hosepipe nearby in case of an emergency. It’s important fires are supervised until they are fully extinguished.
3. Check what your insurance actually covers
Many standard home insurance policies typically cover accidental fire and smoke damage, but not all do. Outdoor fires or fireworks may also be excluded, so it’s important to take the time and review your cover before beginning any celebrations.
4. Be mindful of neighbours
Always angle fireworks away from nearby property – a stray one can easily cause damage. Respect legal timing restrictions – it is illegal to set fireworks off between 11pm and 7am, except Bonfire Night itself when the cutoff is midnight – and consider the impact of noise on animals and the local community.**
5. Dispose of fireworks safely
Fireworks and sparklers that have successfully gone off should be soaked in water overnight to ensure there is no chance of them setting anything alight. If your fireworks have misfired or are no longer wanted, then submerge them in water for 48 hours before disposal.
6. Keep guests safe
Ensure walkways are clear, follow safety distances, and provide a safe fallout zone behind fireworks. It’s sensible to check if your home insurance covers parties at your home, you may need to add public or personal liability cover before hosting a crowd.
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