Safety Advice for Halloween

With a week to go, we’ve put together some tips below to help you have a spooktacularly safe Halloween:

• For some people such as older or vulnerable people, Halloween can be intimidating and distressing. Please respect homes that display ‘no trick or treat’ notices.
• Look out for your older neighbours, friends and relatives and make sure they know they can call on you if they are worried.
• Parents, please ensure you know where your child is and what they are doing.
• Don’t let young children go trick-or-treating on their own, make sure you accompany them and only visit people you know.
• With older children remind them to stay with their friends and never enter the home of a stranger.
• If you’re driving somewhere over the Halloween period, remember that there may be a lot of children around so take extra care
• Consider using battery operated lights within homemade lanterns and pumpkins, they are much safer than candles
• If you are going to use candles:
• Make sure they are secured in a proper holder and away from materials that may catch fire – like curtains.
• Children should not be left alone with lit candles. Put candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they’re put out completely at night.
• Do not burn several candles close together as this might cause flaring
• If you’re using plastic capes and bin bags as part of your costume, keep them away from candles and other naked flames. In the event that clothing does catch fire – remember to STOP, DROP and ROLL:

• Stop where you are. Do not run
• Drop to the ground. Lay flat with your legs out straight
• Cover your eyes and mouth with your hands
• Roll over and over and back and forth until the flames are out
• Get help straight away

Remember – stay safe and have fun.