Seasonal safety

Candles and night lights are often used in celebrations for Christmas, Diwali and other festivals. Make sure you don’t put candles in or by a Christmas tree, or other plants, flowers or foliage. You should also be careful that ribbons, greeting cards and other decorations such as tinsel are kept away from candle flames.​

Reducing the chance of starting a wildfire

Because the ground is so dry in the summer, the risk of starting a fire then is bigger, but you should follow these tips all year round.

Gorse, or furze, is an evergreen shrub, but it can catch fire easily and burn very quickly. We have lots of patches of gorse around Jersey which means these areas are especially at risk.

Barbecues and bonfires

Plan carefully by following these tips:

• don't make open fires in the countryside
• only use barbecues in a safe area, away from areas of gorse and heathland
• never leave a fire or barbecue unattended
• throw away barbecue ashes carefully
• have a bucket of water or sand near your barbecue for emergencies
• don't use a bonfire to get rid of garden rubbish. Take it to the green waste at La Collette

Rubbish and litter

When you're out in the countryside:

• don’t leave bottles or glass in the countryside, as sunlight on glass can start fires
• take your litter home

Cigarettes and smoking

You should never:

• drop matches or cigarettes in the countryside. Take them away with you to dispose of later
• throw cigarette ends out a car window
• smoke or use any naked flames near gorse or heathland

What to do if you see a wildfire

If you see a fire in the countryside, you should:

• call the Fire and Rescue Service immediately on 999
• don’t try to tackle a fire, unless it can be put out with a bucket of water
• leave the area as quickly as possible

Be carbon monoxide (CO) aware

Never take a lit or smouldering barbecue into a tent or caravan. The charcoal from a barbecue emits poisonous carbon monoxide, which is odourless and colourless, for a long time after you have finished cooking.

Ideally, you should keep barbecues downwind and well clear of tents to ensure the fumes do not build up in any nearby tents.

Barbecues, gas and charcoal all emit poisonous CO. Never use them indoors or within tents during camping.

Making sure your appliances are safe

Check your appliances regularly:

• look for signs of incomplete burning of fuel, such as when the pilot light or flame from a gas appliance is burning orange or yellow instead of mostly blue or the pilot light is frequently blowing out
• CO can also be found in the smoke coming from solid-fuel, wood or oil-burning appliances
• paraffin heaters in poor condition can also be a source of CO
• CO may be present if you notice sooty or yellow / brown staining on or around the appliance or if you see or smell smoke or have excessive condensation in the room where the appliance is installed
• blackening of the china clay radiant of gas fires is another sign of poor combustion
• appliances installed in rented student accommodation should receive an annual safety check to ensure that they function properly. This is a responsibility of the landlord

Barbecue and patio heater safety tips

When you're having a barbecue:

• only use a barbecue or patio heater outdoors
• make sure your barbecue sits flat and away from fences, trees and sheds
• keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of emergencies
• use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue to a depth of about five centimetres (two inches)
• never use petrol or paraffin to start, or revive, your barbecue. Use only barbecue fire lighters or starter fuel on cold coals
• keep children and pets away from the cooking area
• don’t leave the barbecue unattended
• after cooking make sure the barbecue is cool before trying to move it
• empty ashes onto bare soil not into a bin

Disposable barbecues

Be aware that the area underneath a disposable barbecue becomes hot enough to cause serious burns. 

When moving a portable barbecue, ensure that no-one, especially children and animals, can burn themselves by stepping on the area where it was positioned. Cool the area by covering it with cold water, or dig the area over straight away with cool sand.

Never put a disposable barbecue into a dustbin until it is completely cool.

Gas barbecues and patio heaters: additional tips

Follow these extra tips if you are using a gas barbecue or patio heater:

• make sure your barbecue or heater is in good working order
• make sure the tap is off before changing the gas cylinder and do it in the open air
• don’t over-tighten joints
• when you have finished cooking turn off the gas cylinder before you turn off the barbecue controls. This means any gas in the pipeline will be used up
• read the manufacturer’s instructions about how to check for leaks in the cylinder or pipework eg brush soapy water around all joints and look for bubbles

Storing gas cylinders safely

Don’t keep more cylinders than you need. Gas cylinders should be kept outside, away from direct sunlight and frost. If you have to keep them inside your house, do not store them under the stairs. 

If there is a fire they could explode and the stairs are likely to be your escape route.

Basic fire safety advice for boats and caravans:

In your boat or caravan you should always:

• fit a smoke alarm
• have at least one fire extinguisher, which you should keep near the boat or caravan’s exit
• make sure the cooker is not left unattended
• make sure furnishings and foam insulation are ‘fire-retardant’, which means they don’t catch fire easily
• only store safety matches – vibrations could set off non-safety matches

These simple precautions will reduce the risk of fire on your boat and protect everyone on board.

When using the engine

• ventilate the engine compartment before starting up the engine
• ventilate the engine space thoroughly after any maintenance
• check fuel lines and tanks regularly for any cracks or leaks

Take care with fuel

• only carry spare fuel if absolutely necessary and only in approved containers
• if you have to carry spare fuel always store it on the upper deck
• stop the engine before refuelling and put out all smoking materials and naked flames
• always use a funnel when pouring fuel from one container to another
• make sure air and gas from tanks is released directly overboard and fuel lines have a direct shut-off valve that works
• after refuelling, tightly secure the filler inlet cap and clear up any spillages
• air the boat thoroughly before starting the engine or using naked flames again
• regularly remove rubbish, oil and debris from all areas

Planning for an emergency

For each sleeping position, plan the best escape route and make sure everyone knows where the fire safety equipment is stored. You should also make sure your life-raft and emergency equipment, like flares, are in good condition.

If a fire starts on board

These are the essential points to remember if a fire starts on board:

• switch off fuel and gas, if possible
• if safe to do so, use a fire extinguisher
• avoid getting too close to other craft and alert them to the danger posed by your boat
• think of your own safety – get out and abandon ship immediately
• take a note of nearby landmarks that may help emergency services identify your location

Follow these basic precautions to reduce the risk of fire

• park caravans at least six metres apart, away from parked cars
• make sure you know what the fire safety arrangements are on the campsite and where the nearest telephone is

Inside your caravan

• if you smoke, use metal ashtrays – and never smoke in bed
• don’t leave children alone inside
• don’t block air vents – if any leaking gas builds up you may fall unconscious and be unable to escape
• turn off all appliances before you leave the caravan or go to bed
• never use a cooker or heater whilst your caravan is moving

If there is a fire in your caravan

• get everyone out straight away
• call the Fire and Rescue Service and give a map reference if possible – provide a landmark, like a farm or pub, to help them find you

Using gas cylinders safely in boats and caravans

You should take special care when handling gas cylinders. Follow these safety tips:

• install a gas detection system, if possible
• if you think there is a gas leak, turn off all appliances and the main cylinder valve – open all the doors and windows
• change gas cylinders only when they are completely empty
• make sure the new cylinder is secure before connecting it
• when changing cylinders, make sure all cylinder valves are turned off before disconnecting
• do not turn on the cylinder valves before the connection is complete
• spare and empty cylinders should be kept in the open air and secured by a safety strap or other quick release device

Gas cylinders and boats

• cylinders should be secured in a sealed, weatherproof container with low-level atmospheric vents
• regularly hand-pump bilges to remove potential low-lying vapours
• if weather permits, ensure hatches and portholes are opened sufficiently to provide ventilation
• any compartment on the boat that has not been used for some time should be aired thoroughly

Be carbon monoxide (CO) aware when camping

Never take a lit or smouldering barbecue into a tent or caravan. The charcoal from a barbecue emits poisonous carbon monoxide, which is odourless and colourless, for a long time after you have finished cooking.

Ideally keep barbecues downwind and well clear of tents to ensure that the fumes do not build up in nearby tents.

Caravans, boats and mobile homes are also at risk because portable appliances that use bottled fuels such as liquid petroleum gas, paraffin or kerosene are often used for heating and cooking. Barbecues, gas and charcoal all emit poisonous CO. Never use them indoors or within tents during camping.

Remember vehicle engine or generator exhaust gases can also contain high levels of CO. 

Camping and fire safety

• set up tents at least six metres apart and away from parked cars
• make sure you know what the fire safety arrangements are on the campsite and where the nearest telephone is
• don’t use oil-burning appliances like lanterns or candles in or near a tent – use a torch instead
• never smoke inside a tent
• place your cooking area well away from the tent
• keep your cooking area clear of items that catch fire easily (‘flammable’ items) including long, dry grass
• put cooking appliances in a place where they can’t easily be knocked over
• keep matches, lighters, flammable liquids and gas cylinders out of the reach of children
• have an escape plan and be prepared to cut your way out of your tent if there is a fire

What should I do if I have a fire while camping?

Remember these two simple tips:

• get everyone out straight away – fires in tents can spread very quickly
• call the Fire and Rescue Service and give a map reference if possible – provide a landmark like a farm or pub to help them find you

Reduce the risk of wildfires

Dry ground in the summer means there is the added risk of a fire starting, but you should take care at all times of the year. Follow these tips to reduce the chance of a wildfire in the countryside:

• extinguish cigarettes properly and don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground – take your litter home
• never throw cigarette ends out of the car window
• avoid using open fires in the countryside
• don’t leave bottles or glass in woodland – sunlight shining through glass can start fires
• only use barbecues in a suitable and safe area and never leave them unattended
• if you see a fire in the countryside, call the Fire and Rescue Service immediately
• don’t attempt to tackle a fire that can’t be put out with a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to go to a professionally organised event. However, not everyone can attend these, so if you're having a fireworks display at home take a moment to read these safety tips.

Buy the right fireworks

There are different categories of fireworks. Members of the public can buy and set off most of the fireworks that come under categories 1 to 3. These are fireworks that include those that you can use indoors, in your garden or at a display. Always read the packet carefully and make sure that the fireworks you buy are suitable for the place where you are going to set them off.

Preparation is key to enjoying fireworks safely, so:

• always buy fireworks from a reputable shop; shops have to apply to the Fire Service for a licence to sell fireworks
• only buy fireworks marked BS7114 – this is the British Standard that all fireworks should meet
• follow the instructions on individual fireworks – read them in daylight or by torchlight, never by a naked flame
• make suitable supports and launchers if you’re setting off Catherine wheels or rockets

Things you will need on the night

It is easy to get a few household things together, these are:

• a torch
• a closed metal box to store the fireworks – take them out one at a time
• a bucket of water – to cool sparklers and put out any small fires
• eye protection and gloves
• a bucket of soft earth to stick fireworks in

Keep children safe

We want children to enjoy fireworks but they need to know that they can be dangerous if they are not used properly. Each year, over half of all fireworks injuries are suffered by children. The Child Accident Prevention Trust has more guidance on keeping youngsters safe.

Protect your animals

You should take precautions to protect your pets. Keep them indoors – most animals get very scared by the lights and noise from fireworks.

Setting fireworks off

Follow these simple guidelines to stay safe:

• make your preparations in advance and in daylight; even if you are really familiar with the area you intend to use, make sure you make an inspection of it
• only one person should be responsible for letting off fireworks; if that’s you, then make sure you take all the necessary precautions
• don’t drink alcohol if you are setting off fireworks
• light fireworks at arm’s length, using a taper
• make sure everyone stands well back
• never go back to fireworks that have been lit, even if they haven’t gone off – they could still explode suddenly

You can find more advice in the Explosives Industry Group Red Guide. 

Sparklers

Did you know that sparklers get five times hotter than cooking oil? Sparklers are fun, but always:

• supervise children with sparklers and never give them to a child under five years old
• light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• put used sparklers hot end down into a bucket of sand or water

Sky lanterns

We do not encourage the use of sky lanterns as they can present a fire hazard or entangle wildlife and livestock.  

Sky lanterns can also be misinterpreted as marine distress flares, resulting in an emergency response from the Coastguard.

If you want to use sky lanterns to celebrate an occasion:

• don't use them when they're likely to cross a flight path
• ideally set them to be blown out to sea
• inform the Jersey Coastguard

Other safety tips on the night

Finally follow these other rules for a safe night:

• never put fireworks in your pocket, or throw them
• never throw spent fireworks on a bonfire
• take care around bonfires – all clothes, even those labelled ‘low flammability’, can catch fire