Hayrides and bonfires are synonymous with the autumn season. If your church is hosting either of these events as part of a festival, camp or other event, follow these hayride and bonfire safety tips.
Bonfire Safety Tips
Planning a bonfire for a youth event or church camp? This can create a memorable experience. However, fire poses risks, so it’s critical to implement bonfire safety measures:
- Contact your local fire department for guidance before planning a bonfire. Follow all local guidelines and restrictions.
- Do not have a bonfire when high winds are forecasted.
- Inspect your site and build the fire at least 25 feet away from structures, vehicles, utility lines, landscaping and other flammable materials.
- Keep the bonfire to a safe size.
- Never use lighter fluid, gasoline or other flammable liquid to start or grow a bonfire.
- Keep a supply of water and fire extinguishing equipment nearby.
- Provide sufficient lighting before, during and after the bonfire.
- Enforce a perimeter of at least 10 feet to keep people at a safe distance.*
- Provide adequate supervision, especially if young children or teenagers are involved.
- Never leave the fire unattended.
- Do not allow anything to be thrown into the fire.
- Have a plan to safely and completely extinguish the fire at the end of the event.
- Don’t leave the area until the fire pit and the contents are cold.
Hayride Safety Tips
A hayride on a crisp fall day can be a fun time of fellowship for your church members. Help make it a safe event with these safety tips:
- Designate a responsible person to drive the tractor and wagon.
- Ensure the tractor and wagon have adequate road and safety lighting and warning signs.
- Inspect the trailer’s side panels for durability and stability.
- Choose your route carefully and inspect it for hazards.
- Avoid major roads so your hayride won’t be subject to traffic hazards.
- Designate adult supervisors to ride with children or teenagers.
- Do not allow standing or crawling while in motion.
- Do not allow anything to be thrown in or out of the trailer, including hay or straw.
Are you mitigating risk year-round?
After an autumn of addressing bonfire and hayride safety concerns, the changing seasons pose risks with Christmas tree hazards, VBS planning and Fourth of July celebrations. You’re not alone — we’re here to help you navigate risks in all seasons of ministry. For more information, contact us at InsuranceSolutions@GuideStone.org or (214) 720-2868, Monday through Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT and Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice. Readers should use this article as a tool, along with best judgment and any terms or conditions that apply, to determine appropriate policies and procedures for your church’s risk management program.
*BurnCenters.com/community/planning-a-bonfire-here-are-some-guidelines-to-help-keep-you-safe
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