Safety First: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night, or Guy Fawkes Night, is one of Britain’s most exciting annual traditions. The sky fills with colour, families gather around warm fires, and the smell of toasted marshmallows fills the air. But while it’s a night of celebration, it’s also one that comes with important safety lessons — perfect for teaching children about responsibility, awareness, and care.

Whether you’re planning your own small garden display or simply learning about the history of 5th November, here’s how to keep Bonfire Night safe, fun, and educational.

Fireworks Safety

Fireworks are thrilling — but they must always be handled with caution.Use these tips to model safe behaviour and spark a discussion about fire safety science.

Safety Tips:

• Only adults should handle or light fireworks.

• Always buy BS 7114-marked fireworks (the British Safety Standard).

• Keep fireworks in a closed metal box and light them one at a time, at arm’s length.

• Never go back to a lit firework — even if it looks like it hasn’t gone off.

• Always have a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies.

• Keep a safe distance — at least 15–20 metres away from where fireworks are being lit.

  
  

Learning Link: Explain how fireworks work using chemistry — the burning of different metal salts creates different colours (e.g. strontium for red, barium for green).

Bonfire Safety

If you’re lighting a bonfire at home, preparation and supervision are key. It’s a great opportunity to discuss how fire behaves, and how it can be both useful and dangerous.

Safety Tips:

• Build your bonfire well away from houses, fences, trees, and sheds.

• Check the pile for hedgehogs and small animals before lighting.

• Use only dry wood — never petrol or lighter fluid.

• Keep children and pets a safe distance from the flames.

• Have a bucket of water or a hosepipe ready in case of emergencies.

• Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving it unattended.

  
  

Learning Link:Encourage children to explore the fire triangle — oxygen, heat, and fuel — and discuss how removing one of these stops a fire.

Sparkler Safety

Sparklers are a Bonfire Night favourite for children — but did you know they burn at over 1,000°C? That’s hotter than a blowtorch!

Safety Tips:

• Always wear gloves when holding sparklers.

• Keep them at arm’s length and never wave them near anyone.

• Don’t give sparklers to children under five years old.

• Have a bucket of cold water ready to put used sparklers in immediately.

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Learning Link: Use sparklers to explore heat, light, and energy — then talk about how protective clothing helps reduce risk.

Be Prepared

Part of learning at home is understanding how to prevent accidents and respond responsibly if they happen.

Teach children:

• The basics of Stop, Drop, and Roll if clothing catches fire.

• How to call 999 and describe an emergency clearly.

• Why safety planning helps keep everyone calm and confident.

Practical Activity: Create a family safety checklist together — include firework safety, emergency numbers, and pet care plans.

Don’t Forget the Pets!

Many animals find fireworks stressful.

• Keep pets indoors with the curtains closed.

• Play calming music or white noise.

• Ensure pets are microchipped and wearing collars — just in case they get scared and run off.

Wrapping Up

Bonfire Night can be magical — full of light, laughter, and learning. By putting safety first, you can make sure it’s a night to remember for all the right reasons.