Public Urged To Remain Safe This Halloween

October is a month of celebration for many people, with firework displays and children trick or treating in fancy dress. The festivities are not without their risks however, and the public are reminded to put safety first this halloween.

Fireworks

Although entertaining and exciting, there can be real danger and even injury if firework displays are not planned and executed responsibly.

A valid licence is needed to buy, possess, and use certain types of fireworks. Always make sure you comply with the guidelines and follow the Firework Code.

NI Direct has released the following advice:

• only buy fireworks marked with a CE mark – this shows fireworks meet European Safety Standards

• do not drink alcohol if setting off fireworks

• keep fireworks in a closed box when not in use and keep away from anything that could cause them to light

• follow the manufacturer's advice on each firework and use them one at a time

• light them at arm's length using a taper and stand well back

• never go near a firework that has been lit, even if it hasn't gone off - it could still explode

• never put fireworks in their pocket or throw them

• always supervise children around fireworks

• keep pets and animals indoors – the flames and noise upset them

• do not set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11.00 pm.

It's also worth considering the distress that can be caused by fireworks, especially amongst older people and the more vulnerable members of the community. They can also have traumatic effects on pets and farm animals.

Sparklers

Sparklers are often seen as being harmless but they do burn at fierce temperatures. To a young child, the heat from a sparkler is equivalent to the heat from a welding torch.

You should:

• store sparklers in a closed box in a cool, dry place

• always light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves, keeping them at arm's length

• never hold a sparkler in your hand while also holding a baby or child

• plunge finished sparklers hot end down into a bucket of water as soon as they have burnt out (sparklers stay hot for a long time)

• do not take sparklers to public displays - it will be too crowded to use them safely

• never give sparklers to under fives – they will not understand how to use them safely

• always supervise children using sparklers, teach them how to use them properly, and give children woollen gloves to wear.

Fancy dress costumes

Parents should be aware of the potential dangers of their children wearing fancy dress costumes, either shop bought or home-made, if they're around fireworks, sparklers, or open flames (such as pumpkins with candles).

If a child is wearing a fancy dress costume this Halloween:

• be extra vigilant in keeping them away from naked flames – avoid using a naked flame or candle in pumpkins; use a torch, glow stick or battery-operated candle

• stop, drop and roll if clothing does catch on fire – to try to put the flames out and also to stop the flames from rising towards the face

• choose a costume and mask that doesn't restrict a child's visibility or vision

Look out for costumes that are labelled 'Low Flammability' 'BS5722' or have the European code 'BS EN 14878'.



(JG/CM)