As Guy Fawkes Night approaches, thousands of people will be soon lighting fires in their gardens, burning effigies and letting off colourful explosives.
However, if you plan to host a Bonfire Night party at home this year, it's crucial you take the proper precautions to ensure both your property and the people around you are protected.
If you don't, and the wrong Guy gets burned or your next door neighbour's garden shed goes up in flames, not only could someone be seriously injured - you could be left thousands of pounds out of pocket.
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The risks: Injury
Fireworks cause hundreds of avoidable injuries every year.
According to the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills, more than 6,000 people were hurt and required hospital treatment following accidents caused by fireworks in the six years between 2000 and 2005.
Around half of these injuries happen to children under the age of 16.
Accidents
Each year, rogue fireworks and over-exuberant bonfires force hundreds of people to make unexpected claims on their home insurance policies.
Some of the most common claims include broken windows, damaged roof tiles and fires to gardens and garden furniture.
Crime
Around this time of year, there are always some people who think it is amusing to misuse fireworks.
Last year, AXA Insurance received numerous claims for malicious firework damage where devices had been pushed through people's letter boxes. The company also received one claim where a fence panel had been torn down and used on a bonfire.
What's more, burglaries rise by 26% compared with an average day and car thefts increase by 25%, according to a recent report by Aviva.
Burglars know that on Bonfire Night many homeowners will go out to enjoy parties, leaving their cars and homes unattended.
The dark evenings and additional noise also helps opportunist thieves slip into your home or garden shed unnoticed.
It's therefore crucial you ensure all your doors, windows and garden sheds are locked before you go out.
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Make sure you're covered
Before the firework fun begins, it is vital you read the small print of your home insurance cover.
The majority of household buildings and contents policies are likely to provide cover if your property or possessions are damaged by a bonfire or a stray firework.
However, make sure you existing policy also covers your garden valuables. Sheds, fences and greenhouses are usually covered by buildings policies but other contents of your garden may not.
It also pays to check you are covered for personal liability. This section of your home contents policy will protect you from being sued if someone is injured or has their belongings damaged on your property.
Furthermore, make sure you don't do anything silly that could invalidate your insurance policy, such as pour petrol on your bonfire or set off illegal fireworks.
Stay safe: firework tips
Finally, here are 10 top tips to help you enjoy your Bonfire Night celebrations without putting yourself or your property at risk.
- Keep your fireworks in a sealed box.
- Always read the instructions carefully.
- NEVER return to a firework after it has been lit - even if it hasn't gone off it could explode at any time.
- Only buy fireworks marked with the British Standard Kitemark BS 7114.
- Nominate an adult who has not been drinking alcohol to light the fireworks.
- Build your bonfire away from buildings, garden sheds, fences, hedges and never leave it unattended once it is alight. Check there are no cables, such as telephone wires, above the bonfire.
- Never use flammable liquids such as petrol to help start your bonfire as it may get out of control. Do not burn aerosols or canisters containing paint as they could let off harmful fumes or explode. Never throw fireworks into the fire.
- Keep your pets inside and always check no wildlife has taken refuge in your bonfire before you light it.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of an emergency.
- Respect your neighbours and don't let off fireworks late at night.
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