Bonfire night causes spark of concern for households

November 5th could really go up in flames for householders planning to celebrate Bonfire Night at home. New research reveals that more than a million* British homes have been damaged as a result of fireworks going astray in the last five years.

The research, commissioned by home insurer Churchill, also reveals nearly a million** revellers have damaged their neighbour’s properties in the past by setting off fireworks that have gone off course. Nearly two million*** householders have been hurt or have a family member who has been hurt by a firework in the past.

Over eight million households are getting ready to celebrate Bonfire Night at their own home or at the homes of their families and friends this year – but they should take note of safety advice. Thirty-seven percent don’t take any safety precautions and simply keep the fireworks in the packaging they came in, and only a third (35%) follow recommended instructions and keep fireworks in a metal box.

Martin Scott, Head of Home Insurance at Churchill, said:
“Personal safety and the potential for damage to property are clearly major issues for homeowners hosting parties on Bonfire Night. By observing a few safety precautions, the risk of accidents can be significantly reduced.”

One in five householders (18%) say safety concerns prevent them from celebrating Bonfire Night. Almost half of British families (48%) now prefer to watch an organised public display. Three-quarters of householders believe fireworks should only be used by people who are licensed to use them properly.

 

Top five fears haunting revellers ahead of Bonfire Night include:
• People throwing and misusing fireworks out in the street (60%)
• Personal safety of family and friends (56%)
• Safety of pets (43%)
• Damage to the home and property (22%)
• Fears of being burgled when out at a display (10%)

 

Churchill’s advice to householders to help keep them safe on Bonfire Night:
• Ensure that you only buy fireworks from recommended retailers
• Never store the fireworks in the house, but keep them in a garage or shed within a metal box
• Ensure that fireworks stay dry at all times
• Follow the instructions displayed on the firework
• Keep your pets indoors at all times

 

Notes to editors:
Research commissioned by Churchill Home Insurance in September 2006 amongst 2,213 respondents.
Calculations:
* 1,265,000 = 25.3m (number of UK households) / 100 x 5% (number of households that reported damage over the last five years)
** 974,000 = 25.3m (number of UK households) / 100 x 3.85% (number of households that reported damage to a neighbour’s house)
*** 1,771,000 = 25.3m (number of UK households) / 100 x 7% (number that say they have or have a family member that has been hurt by a firework in the past)

 

For more information please contact:

Abi Clark
Churchill Insurance
020 8313 5830
pressoffice@churchill.com