Here are some common sense and sensible advice precautions - the precautions you would normally take when having say, a bonfire night party or lighting fireworks at an event.
Preparation
Always keep a water or fire extinguisher nearby.
Children must be kept under supervision at all times.
Lanterns are for out door use only.
No person under the influence of alcohol should be involved in the handling or igniting of the lanterns.
Do not launch in wind conditions that make launching the lantern difficult. Launching a lantern that is torn or has burn holes may cause premature landing and fire at the point of grounding, in any case, ensure that the wind is not stronger than 5mph.
Unpack lanterns in a safe environment, away from any source of ignition without tearing the delicate paper.
Never leave naked flames unattended.
Do not launch within 5 miles (approx 8km) of any airport.
Never use within 1 km of roads, dry standing crops, or places where they may be misinterpreted as a distress signal or cause a hazard. Ensure that the flight path is not going into buildings.
Check the direction of the wind before lighting to ensure no obstacles. Please refer to local / county regulations regarding launching lanterns of this type.
Never tie anything to a lantern.
Launching
Check the direction of the wind before lighting to ensure no obstacles.
Two adults are required to light and launch Dream Lanterns.
Ensure the lantern is fully extended, and not creased or hanging sideways. This is best done by holding the top of the lantern, gently lifting it 50-60cm, then dropping it sharply. The air pressure will inflate the unit.
Lighting the Lantern
(two methods of launching)
1. Hold the lantern upright, and have a helper light the wick.
2. After a few seconds the lantern will feel lighter and then gradually rise on its own accord.
Do not attemt to throw it up in the air - just guide it and let go by itself.
Alternatively,
1. Hold the lantern upright, and have a helper light the wick.
2. Once the wick is lit, place the lantern on the ground away from anything combustible, people or animals.
The lantern will then rise into the sky on it's own accord. If multiple lanterns are lit at intervals, the lanterns will take off in this order creating a spectacular stream of lanterns stretching into the night sky.
NOTES
Dream Lanterns tend to right themselves automatically as they ascend. Due to our flame retardant paper, despite flames from the wick, they will not catch fire.
Tethering the lanterns is not recommended. Whilst this may work in very still conditions, the tether often prevents the unit from remianing upright as the wind blows, this could lead to a lantern dropping whilst still burning which would cause a fire hazard.
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