As Halloween approaches, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is urging the public to take extra care and follow key fire safety advice to ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration for all.
With more decorations, candles and fireworks being used during the Halloween period, the risk of fire can rise significantly. NIFRS is emphasising the importance of staying fire aware and encouraging everyone to take simple, proactive steps to reduce the risk of fire during the spooky season.
NIFRS Group Commander Paul Morrow said:
“We’re calling on everyone in the community to stay vigilant and act responsibly so that you enjoy Halloween safely.
“It’s crucial to remember that fireworks are extremely dangerous and can set fire to buildings, clothing and cause serious damage to the face and hands if used irresponsibly. Always follow the Firework Safety Code ensuring they are ‘CE’ marked to meet EU requirements. Remember to use fireworks in a safe, clear area, keeping children and pets well away.
“Sparklers may seem harmless, but they burn at extremely high temperatures and can cause serious burns. When using sparklers, make sure they are held at arm’s length and away from faces and flammable materials. Always supervise children closely and dispose of used sparklers safely by soaking them in a bucket of cold water.
“Fancy dress costumes can be highly flammable. Opt for costumes made from fire-retardant materials and avoid long, trailing fabrics. Ensure that children are supervised at all times and kept away from fireworks and open flames. It is important to make children aware of the ‘STOP, DROP and ROLL’ technique to quickly put the flames out if their costume catches fire.
“We hope your Halloween is a scream – just make sure to follow our safety advice to keep things from getting too scary”.
NIFRS Halloween Safety Advice
FIREWORKS are dangerous and can set fire to buildings and clothes and can cause serious injury.
• It is compulsory to have a license to use fireworks. More information is available here.
• Only buy fireworks marked with a CE mark and read instructions carefully.
• When not in use, keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin and away from ignition sources.
• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
• Always supervise children around fireworks and keep them well away from them.
• Keep pets indoors as the flames and noise upset them.
• Light fireworks at arm’s length, one at a time in an open space outside using a taper and stand well back.
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
• Never go near a firework that has been lit, even if it hasn’t gone off as it could still explode.
SPARKLERS can cause serious injury as they burn at very high temperatures. To a young child, the heat from a sparkler is equivalent to a welding torch.
• Store sparklers in a closed box in a cool, dry place.
• Always supervise children and never give sparklers to children under the age of 5.
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves, preferably leather ones.
• Hold sparklers at arm’s length.
• Never hold a child with a sparkler in your hand.
• When burnt out, plunge the hot end down into a bucket of water.
• Don’t take sparklers to public displays.
COSTUMES can be highly flammable and can catch fire easily.
• Keep children away from naked flames.
• Use a torch or battery operated candles for pumpkins and decorations.
• Make sure costumes and masks don’t restrict you or your child’s vision.
• Wear woollen tights or heavy trousers and a woollen jumper under your costume.
• Ensure children are properly supervised at all times.
• Ensure costumes are labelled ‘Low Flammability’ ‘BS5722’ or have the European code ‘BS EN 14878’.
• If making your own costume don’t use flammable materials like black plastic bags.
• STOP, DROP and ROLL if clothing catches fire to extinguish the flames and stop the flames from rising towards the face.