Firework safety goes up in flames leaving UK homes damaged

Bonfire Night could literally be a case of playing with fire for householders planning to celebrate at home this year.

Research from Churchill Home Insurance reveals almost two million (8%) British homes have been damaged as a result of fireworks going astray – with each incident costing an average of £307 to put right.

The research reveals nearly five and a half million (21%) households are getting ready to celebrate Bonfire Night at their own home or at the homes of family and friends this year – but many are not aware of firework safety advice. Thirty-five percent don’t know or haven’t heard of the Firework Code, and one in ten even admitted to having used petrol or lighter fluid to start a bonfire at home.

One in five (21%) householders don’t know the correct distance to stand away from a firework when lighting it, and almost a quarter (23%) don’t know how to dispose of a sparkler safely. And it would seem their lack of awareness isn’t helping younger revellers, as nearly three in five (57%) 16-18 year olds admit to being completely oblivious to the Firework Code, potentially causing more accidents.

Martin Scott, Head of Home Insurance at Churchill, said: “Those planning on celebrating Bonfire Night at home this year should really take the time to observe a few safety precautions first. Personal safety and preventing potential damage to property should be at the forefront of householders’ minds on Bonfire Night, and remembering a few simple rules could help to significantly reduce the risk of accidents.”

Churchill offers the following advice to householders to help keep them safe on Bonfire Night:

When buying fireworks, make sure they comply with BS 7114 and are clearly marked for their intended use "Indoor, Garden or Display"

Keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin

Use them one at a time, replacing the lid immediately

Neverput fireworks in your pocket

Read the instructions carefully, using a torch or hand lamp. Neveruse a naked flame

Light fireworks at arms length using a taper or a firework lighter

Stand well back and never return to a firework after it has been lit, it could explode in front of you

Ensure that all children are well supervised when in the vicinity of fireworks

Neverthrow fireworks

Keep pets and animals indoors at all times

Take care of sparklers; wear gloves to hold them and dispose of them in a bucket of water as soon as they are finished