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Party Safety Advice

Whether you're celebrating a birthday party, New Year's Eve or a religious festival, stay safe when you have people in your home by thinking ahead.

• Fit a smoke alarm. You can do this for free and have a fire safety check on your home by booking a Home Fire Risk Assessment
• 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 e.g. how to open the front door
• Tell guests where the door and window keys are kept
• Take particular care of elderly people, children and people with disabilities
• If you discover a fire in your home, raise the alarm and let everyone in your home know - get out - stay out and call 999

Chinese Flying Lanterns - Safety Advice

Traditionally used in Chinese and Thai celebrations Chinese Flying Lanterns have been used for thousands of years  - it was believed that wishes written on lanterns would rise up to the heavens. 

As they become more popular for celebrating weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, divali or any other special events, we would like to offer the following advice to help you stay safe. 

With no control over the actual flight path once lit and released, the end destination can not be predicted. There is no guarantee that the fuel cell will be completely out and cooled when the lantern eventually descends and any contact with a flammable surface could result in a fire developing.

To help prevent damage to you, your family and property here are a few guidelines; 

• Consider the risk of fire caused by incorrect handling, fuel remaining, or changes to the recommended flight or weather conditions
• Water or other extinguishing facility should be available at the launch site, as lanterns or clothing may ignite if the correct launch procedures are not followed
• Keep the launch area clear of flammable materials
• Children and other observers must maintain a safe distance upwind of the launch area
• Two adults are required to correctly launch each lantern
• Do not attempt to launch damaged lanterns - be aware that writing messages on the paper can cause damage
• Do not smoke whilst handling lanterns
• Ensure sufficient clearance to avoid obstacles such as trees, power lines or buildings
• Avoid launching near roads, especially major roads or motorways
• Avoid crops, especially in dry conditions
• Avoid areas where confusion may arise with distress signals
• Do not launch within 5 miles of any airport
• Do not launch in wind speeds in excess of 5 mph
• Check wind direction before launch
• Be aware of any other local conditions that could affect launch or landing safety such as thatched buildings, crops or dry heathland
• Do not tie anything to the lantern to as this may cause instability which could lead to the lantern igniting 

We would ask people to think carefully before using Chinese lanterns - remember once lit and released there is no control over its direction or where it lands, and this could have very serious consequences. 

Last update: 19/12/2011 07:53:18