23/10/2007

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

The research from Churchill Home Insurance 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 Home Insurance 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
• Never put fireworks in your pocket
• Read the instructions carefully, using a torch or hand lamp. Never use 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
• Never throw 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**   

   

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Notes to editors:
Research commissioned by Churchill Home Insurance in September 2007 amongst 1,932 British householders (aged 16+).

Calculations:
* 5,424,320 = 25.3m (number of UK households according to ONS) / 100 x 21.44% (number of households that are having a firework display at home or with their friends /family)
** Tips taken from the Firework Code on www.fire.org.uk

For more information please contact:

RBS Insurance Press Office
Tel: 0208 285 3277

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Find out more about Churchill Home Insurance and read the latest press releases by visiting Churchill’s online press office at www.churchill.com

Churchill is part of RBS Insurance, the second largest general insurer in the UK and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. It offers car, home, pet and travel Insurance.  Customers can find out more about Churchill home insurance or get a quote by calling 0800 032 6167 or visiting www.churchill.com

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