Enjoy Bonfire Night, Halloween and Diwali celebrations safely | Tenant news

Halloween, Bonfire Night and Diwali are coming up, and lots of us will be celebrating with family and friends. Candles, decorations and fireworks are all part of the fun, but they can also be a fire risk if you’re not careful. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind to help your home and everyone in it stay safe.

Check your smoke alarms

Test your smoke alarms before the celebrations begin and make sure everyone in your household knows how to get out if there’s a fire. 

If a fire starts, get everyone out straight away and close doors behind you if it’s safe to do so. Don’t try to put the fire out yourself or go back inside. Once you’re safely outside, call 999 and wait for the fire service to arrive. For more fire safety tips, visit www.habinteg.org.uk/fire.

Take care with flames

Place candles, diya lamps and incense on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from curtains, decorations and anything else that could catch fire. Have them safely out of the way of pets and children and never leave them unattended. Always make sure to put them out before leaving the room or going to bed.

Battery-powered candles and LED lights are safer alternatives, including for lighting up carved pumpkins.

Use fireworks safely

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch an organised public display. If you’re planning a display at home, you should always:

• Buy fireworks from a licensed seller and follow the instructions on the packaging;
• keep fireworks in a closed box until you’re ready to use them;
• set off fireworks in a clear, open space, away from trees, buildings and anything else that could catch fire;
• keep children and spectators well away when fireworks are being lit.

If you’re using sparklers, never give them to children under five. Older children should wear gloves, hold them at arm’s length and use them under close adult supervision. Keep a bucket of water nearby to dispose of used fireworks and sparklers safely.

Be mindful of neighbours

Fireworks can be distressing for some people, including children, older people and people with sensory sensitivities. They can also frighten pets. If you’re planning a display at home, let your neighbours know in advance and consider choosing low-noise fireworks. Clear up any litter afterwards.

If you have pets, keep them indoors during fireworks where possible and give them somewhere quiet to settle. Remember to keep entrances, communal areas and routes around your home clear so everyone can use them safely.

For more advice, visit GOV.UK’s fire safety guidance for celebrations.

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