Put safety first at Halloween
Date published:
Fireworks
Fireworks are dangerous and can set fire to buildings and clothing. They can also cause serious injury, particularly to your hands and face.
Fireworks must be bought from a licensed dealer and you must have a licence to buy or use fireworks.
Fireworks can cause fear and distress, especially for older people and more vulnerable members of the community.
Fireworks can also traumatise pets and farm animals.
Low noise fireworks may be available to buy from your local registered retailer.
There’s more information at the following link:
Firework safety advice
Fireworks should only be lit in a safe and controlled environment by a responsible adult.
You should:
- follow the Firework Code
- make sure fireworks meet the safety standard and have a CE mark
- follow the manufacturer’s instructions on each firework
- keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin when not in use
- only use fireworks one at a time
- always supervise children around fireworks
- keep pets and animals indoors
- keep fireworks away from anything that could cause them to light
- only light fireworks outside in an open space
- light fireworks 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
- keep a bucket of water nearby
- never put fireworks in your pocket
- never throw fireworks
Do not drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
Sparklers
Sparklers may seem harmless but they burn at very high temperatures.
To a young child, the heat from a sparkler is similar to the heat from a welding torch.
You should:
- store sparklers in a closed box in a cool, dry place
- never give sparklers to children under the age of five
- always supervise children using sparklers
- always light sparklers one at a time
- keep sparklers at arm’s length, away from faces, and wear gloves (preferably leather)
- never wave sparklers near someone, as you could burn them
- put burnt out sparklers hot end down into a bucket of water (sparklers stay hot for a long time)
Fancy dress costumes
Fancy dress costumes can be highly flammable.
If you're making your own, do not use flammable materials such as black plastic bags.
If a child is wearing a fancy dress costume this Halloween:
- make sure they are supervised at all times
- keep them away from sparklers, naked flames, and fireworks
- avoid using a naked flame or candle in pumpkins or turnips - use a torch, glow stick or battery-operated candle
- choose a costume and mask that doesn’t restrict your or your child’s vision and visibility
- avoid a costume with long, trailing fabric
- make sure they wear woollen tights or ‘heavy’ trousers (jeans) and a woollen jumper under the costume
- make them aware of 'stop, drop and roll' - to quickly try to put the flames out if clothing does catch on fire (and also to stop the flames from rising towards their face)
You can find a list of licensed fireworks dealers, and the fireworks helpline number, on the fireworks page.