MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM -- 11/01/09 --
As the fifth of November approaches Swinton is warning anyone putting on a home firework display to plan and prepare well in advance.
Each year millions of people across the UK put on home firework displays and many do not take enough safety precautions, say Swinton, the UK's leading high street retailer of home insurance.
The most recent figures for Great Britain show that 990 people went to hospital with a firework-related injury in the four weeks around Bonfire Night in 2005. Nearly half of the injuries (48 %) were sustained at family or private parties, according to The Royal Society for The Prevention of Accidents.
Swinton is advising homeowners to follow the ROSPA's Top Ten Safety Code -
- Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable.
- Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time.
- Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary.
- Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back.
- Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
- Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
- Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
- Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.
- Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.
- Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings area made safe before leaving.
Always buy fireworks from a reputable supplier and should read the instructions carefully before attempting to light them.
Steve Chelton, Development Manager for Swinton Home Contents Insurance, said: "Although firework displays can be enjoyable for the whole family, there is always a safety risk when handling fireworks. Anyone putting on a home display should research and thoroughly prepare for the event well in advance to ensure they are not putting themselves or their home at risk."
About Swinton
- With 580 branches nationwide Swinton is the UK's largest high street insurance retailer
- Unlike many other companies in the financial services industry, Swinton is committed to keeping its branches open for business, and part of the community
- Swinton provides a one-stop-shop for the insurance and related needs of its clients, offering home, car, caravan, business, holiday, motorbike and even classic car insurance
- With a dedicated team of advisors on hand at every branch to search a panel of insurers to offer quality cover at competitive rates
Contacts:
SKV Communications
Michael Travers
0161 838 7770
SKV Communications
Anoushka Foster
0161 838 7770
www.skvcommunications.co.uk
