Remember, remember the fifth of November! Bonfire Night is around the corner and this weekend, a lot of you will be heading outside to attend local festivities or even throw a bonfire party of your own. However you choose to celebrate this historical tradition, safety is a priority. Before you can set off those fireworks and light that bonfire, there are a couple of factors you need to consider to ensure you have fun whilst staying safe.
Plan ahead for fireworks
When hosting a fireworks display, the first thing you’ve got to do is check local regulations regarding fireworks use. Some areas only allow certain pyrotechnics but in others, they’re completely banned. And the last thing you want is to get into trouble for innocently setting off a Catherine Wheel in your own garden. Speaking of, make sure you inform your neighbours in advance. Let them know the date and time that you’ll be shooting rockets into the sky. A little neighbourly consideration can go a long way. Also, checking the forecast beforehand can determine if you can throw your little bonfire soiree at all – imagine all your disappointed guests! It’s better to go out with a bang than a fizzle.
Stay safe around bonfires
If you’re having a bonfire, establish a designated safety zone, keeping children and pets at a safe distance. Never leave a bonfire unattended and fully extinguish it when the night is over to prevent any chance of rekindling. This goes without saying, but flammable clothing is a big no-no. You do not want to outshine the bonfire (literally), so keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency. Sparklers are a rite of passage on Bonfire Night – who doesn’t love writing their name in the air with a sparkler? – but sometimes they can bite. Little sparks can fly off and burn your hands, so wearing gloves is a must if you want to avoid sparkler-induced injury!
Protecting your pets
Fireworks can be distressing for animals, causing anxiety and panic, so Bonfire Night can be a pretty divisive topic for pet owners. Here are some suggestions to protect your furry friends:
- Keep them indoors: on Bonfire Night, keep your pets inside in a quiet room, creating a comfortable space with their favourite toys and blankets to help them feel secure.
- Use anxiety aids: consider using anxiety wraps, pheromone diffusers or calming music to help soothe pets. In severe cases, consult your vet about possible medication options.
- Walk them early: ensure that your pets are exercised before the fireworks start. A long walk can help expend energy and reduce anxiety levels.
Keeping your kids safe
Children + fireworks = a lot of excitement. But this excitement can soon get out of hand and it’s important to keep your kids protected during the Bonfire Night festivities. The main kind of accident to occur around Bonfire Night isn’t from the fire or the fireworks but from road safety – or lack of it. Large crowds of people walking to local parks or open spaces whilst distractedly crossing roads in the dark can lead to accidents. There are two easy ways to safeguard your children this Bonfire Night: make sure they practice their road safety rules (look right, left, then right again before crossing, don’t run but walk calmly, etc.) and dress them in reflective clothing, so drivers can easily spot them. This could be as simple as sticking reflective strips to their coat, hat or bag.
Be mindful of wildlife
During this time of year, local wildlife can also be affected by fireworks. Loud noises can startle animals, causing them to flee and sometimes become disoriented. If you’re hosting your own event, avoid setting off fireworks near wildlife habitats. If you’re in a rural area, consider the impact of your activities on local wildlife, opting for more contained and quiet celebrations. A great way of achieving this is using silent fireworks, providing all the pizzazz with none of the racket. If a homemade bonfire is on the cards, check it before lighting it up. Little creatures like hedgehogs and mice love to nestle in shelters like bonfires, providing them with warmth and protection, so please make sure that there aren’t any animals hiding in there!
Remember, remember to Fabsil your outdoor furniture
Hosting a Bonfire Night party in your garden? Say no more. Keep your garden furniture in tip-top condition by cleaning and protecting it with Fabsil’s multipurpose range of cleaners and protectors. If the fireworks don’t impress your guests, your Fabsil’d garden furniture will!
Fabsil hopes you have a safe, exciting Bonfire Night!
