Chinese Wish Lanterns UK » Chinese lantern safety

Chinese lanterns in adverse weather

author — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 12:47:21 +0000

We’re all (painfully) aware of how unpredictable the British weather can be, and although we like to do everything possible to ensure the sun shines for your special occasion (things we have tried in the past are anti-rain dances, wishing with Chinese lanterns, shouting at the weather man if he predicts rain), there are unfortunately some times where we’ve heard of the lanterns being stored away for use on another day. If you’re a little unsure of when it is safe and advisable to release your lanterns, simply read our mini safety guide right here:
• Chinese lanterns can still be lit and released successfully in very light drizzle. You’ll need to gage this for yourself- if the rain is too heavy the paper will get soaked through, and it won’t be going anywhere.
• If the wind is stronger than a very light breeze, then we cannot recommend lighting the lanterns, as this increases the risk of them floating into trees or building, posing a hazard.
• A clear sky is perfect for releasing your Chinese lanterns, as you can see what is around, and possibly in their path as they get higher and higher, and definitely the safest way to do things.
If you have any questions about our products or safety advice for our lanterns, please do get in touch.

Chinese lanterns banned in Malta

author — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:55:59 +0000

The Malta Standards Authority recently banned the use of Chinese lanterns anywhere on the island, with immediate effect from the middle of December 2009, when the decision was made. The basis for the banning was that the lanterns pose a serious risk to consumers not only by exposing them to a naked flame whilst lighting them, but also to those around once they have been released and are floating away. At Wishlantern, we are of course aware of the risks that the lanterns may pose, we do however include a safety guideline sheet in the sleeve with every lantern that is purchased, as well as offering comprehensive safety advice in an especially designed section of our website. We recommend that gloves are to be worn at all times when lighting the Chinese lanterns, and to check weather conditions/wind speed prior to release, to ensure that they will not become caught in an area which may pose a hazard to anyone. Children, at no time, should be left unattended with the lanterns, and should not be involved in the lighting of them.
If you have any questions about our products, please do get in touch and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Chinese lanterns in plane crash alert

author — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:07:14 +0000

Following the several reports of UFOs throughout the country, which in fact turned out to be Chinese lanterns, a couple in Halifax called the police last Christmas day when they suspected a plane had crashed into a field near their home. The local authorities sent a helicopter out to the scene, but realised that it was in fact more the Chinese lanterns that had been recently been released, when they saw them floating next to the craft as they flew towards the scene. The couple had seen one of the lanterns land in the field and finish burning out whilst stationary, which caused them alarm in the first place.
We always recommend that any Chinese lanterns are released in open spaces where they are free to float without obstruction and to help prevent any fire. They will usually remain alight for around twenty minutes, during which they can travel many miles- for more information, please do have a look at our safety guidelines before lighting. If you have any further questions, please do get in touch, and one of our team will be happy to help.

Safety precautions to take with Chinese Lanterns

author — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:55:17 +0000

It’s always a good idea to read up on safety for your Chinese lanterns before setting them off, particularly if you’re doing so around young people or children, or if you’re planning to use them as part of a party and have a large number of people around.
Once you’ve unwrapped your Chinese lanterns, we find it always helps to have another pair of hands around, to hold the lantern upright whilst you light each corner of the filament. The lantern holder can also keep an eye out to check that the paper doesn’t fall into the flame, which would not only be dangerous, but would also mean that the lantern would find it very difficult to fill with air!
Protecting your hands is also essential, so wearing gloves is a must, to save them from the heat of the flame. Once the filament really gets going, and the lantern is filling with air ready to take off, the flames get hot which is when this precaution is an excellent idea.
As lighting the lanterns outside in also a must, taking a minute to check the wind conditions will help you and others stay safe. If there is any more than a light breeze blowing, the lit lanterns can fly into buildings or trees. If you feel the wind is too strong, save them for another day when you will be able to enjoy them safely and without concern.
Full details of our safety considerations for Chinese lanterns can be found on our website. Happy lighting!