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Follow the firework safety code

If you are thinking of using fireworks as part of your celebrations, you should follow these safety steps:

• only buy fireworks marked BS 7114 (this is the British Standard that all fireworks should meet)
• don’t drink alcohol if you’re setting off fireworks
• store fireworks in a closed, metal box and take them out one at a time
• keep a bucket of water nearby
• follow the instructions on each firework – read them by torchlight, never by a naked flame
• light fireworks at arm’s length, using the taper provided
• make sure everyone stands well back
• never go back to a firework that has been lit - even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode
• never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
• always supervise children around fireworks and never give sparklers to a child under five
• light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• keep pets indoors
• don’t set off fireworks late at night
• take care around open flames such as bonfires and barbecues - all clothes, even those labelled ‘low flammability’, can catch fire

• Download firework safety leaflets Opens new window
• Help with PDF files
• Fire safety advice for parents and child carers (parents section)

Fireworks and the law

If you misuse fireworks, you may be liable for an on-the-spot fine of £80. If found guilty by the courts, you could be fined up to £5,000.
If you are under 18, you can't:

• buy the types of fireworks which can be sold only to adults or have them in public places - including sparklers

You can't:

• set off fireworks in the street or other public places
  
• set off fireworks between 11.00 pm and 7.00 am except on the days listed below
• cause any unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animals (the penalty on conviction is either imprisonment up to 51 weeks, or a fine of up to £20,000, or both)

You can let off fireworks until midnight on Bonfire Night and until 1.00 am on New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year or Diwali.
If you are using fireworks you will need to be aware of your neighbours and ensure that you do not cause a nuisance.

• Noise nuisance and neighbour disputes
• Firework legislation Opens new window

Fire safety during celebrations and holidays

In addition to the everyday care you should take in your home (read about this by following the link to ‘Fire safety in the home’ below) you should take extra precautions if you are hosting a party, or if you have friends or family staying in your home:

• if you have guests staying the night, make sure they know how to escape safely
• let guests know of any features they may not be familiar with - for example, how to unlock your front door
• tell guests where the door keys are kept overnight
• take particular care of elderly people, children and those with disabilities
• if there are smokers, put out enough ashtrays, so ash and butts don't get dropped in places like wastepaper bins
  

Decorative lights, candles and decorations

Fairy lights and Christmas tree lights don’t get used very often, so you should ensure they’re in good working order before using them:

• check that the fuse in the plug is the right size (see the box for the maximum size of fuse you should use)
• replace bulbs that blow
• don’t leave lights on when you go to bed or leave the house
• don’t let the bulbs touch anything that can burn easily, such as paper or fabrics (be especially careful with other Christmas tree decorations)

Festive decorations made of tissue paper or cardboard burn particularly easily, so keep decorations and greeting cards away from heaters, lights, fireplaces and candles.

Candles and nightlights are often used in celebrations for Christmas, Diwali and other festivals. They should never be put in or by a Christmas tree, plants, flowers or other foliage. You should also be careful that ribbons and other decorations aren’t near any candle flames. For more general tips on candle safety, follow the link below.

• Candle safety

More useful links

• Accidents and emergencies (health and well-being section)
• Fire safety advice for parents and child carers (parents section)
• How to deal with minor burns Opens new window
• Treating burns, scalds and stings Opens new window