Fire safety when celebrating (accessible)
Updated 25 May 2022
Applies to England
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Did you know?
850 accidental fires in the home are started every year in England from candles.
Around 150 fires in England are started by fireworks every year.
Enjoy celebrations safely by following the simple tips in this leaflet.
Having a party
Inform your guests of the best route to escape just in case.
Take special care of older people, children and those who may find it difficult to get out if there is a fire.
Put out enough ashtrays, so ash and cigarette butts don’t get put in wastepaper bins.
Encourage guests who wish to smoke to do so outdoors and to put cigarettes right out.
Tell guests who are staying overnight where the door keys are kept, in case they need to escape.
Take extra care when drinking alcohol.
Keep keys where you can find them in case you need them in a hurry.
Fireworks
Never go back to a lit firework – even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode. It is safer to attend organised public firework displays.
Never throw fireworks or put them in your pocket.
Don’t drink alcohol if you’re setting off fireworks.
Store fireworks in a closed box and take them out one at a time.
Keep a bucket of water nearby.
Follow the instructions on each firework. Use a torch to read them – never a naked flame.
Light fireworks at arm’s length, using the taper provided.
Make sure everyone stands well back.
Always supervise children around fireworks and never give sparklers to a child under five.
Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
Take care around open flames such as bonfires and barbecues – even clothes labelled ‘low flammability’ can catch fire.
Keep bonfires away from things that may catch fire.
Only buy fireworks marked with a CE marking (showing they conform to European safety standards).
Fairy lights, candles and decorations
Unplug fairy lights when you leave your home or go to bed. Never overload electrical sockets.
Keep candles away from things that might catch fire, like Christmas trees, greeting cards, ribbons and other decorations.
Ensure matches and lighters are returned to a safe place once candles have been lit.
Put candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they’re put out completely at night.
Check fairy lights are in good working order and replace any bulbs that blow.
Don’t let bulbs touch anything that can burn easily, such as paper or fabrics.
Make sure the fuse in the plug is the right size (check the box for advice).
Find out more about fireworks and the law.
For advice specific to you and your home, complete your own home fire safety check.