Keeping your family safe during Autumn – Halloween and fireworks night

As the evenings draw in (reminder that clocks go back on Sunday 26th October), many of us look forward to Halloween and bonfire night festivities. It’s a fun time of year but also one where fire risk increases. Candles, decorations, costumes and fireworks can all be a risk if not handled carefully.

Here are some essential fire safety tips to help keep you, your family, your neighbours and your homes safe this autumn:

• Use battery powered LED candles inside your carved pumpkins instead of real flames
• If you are using candles on cosy evenings, keep them well away from curtains, furniture and costumes
• Never leave candles unattended – blow them out before you leave the room or go to bed
• Check that children’s costumes are flame-resistant and keep them away from open flames
• Check all lights and cables for damaged wires before use
• Don’t overload sockets or extension leads
• Turn off all electrical decorations at night or when leaving home

Enjoying bonfire night and fireworks safely

It’s always best to go along to an organised public fireworks display and/or bonfire – they’re safer, spectacular and great fun.

If you do choose to set off fireworks at home, please remember only adults should deal with setting up fireworks, the lighting of fireworks and the safe disposal once they’ve been used (and remember, alcohol and fireworks don’t mix). Children and young people should be supervised and watch and enjoy fireworks from a safe distance.

Follow these tips for a safer fireworks party:

• Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and check the time you can legally set off fireworks
• Only buy fireworks which carry a CE marking or the UKCA mark. Keep your fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time. CE and UKCA markings on fireworks demonstrate that the product has been tested to the required essential safety standard.
• Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary
• Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back
• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
• Never return to a firework once it has been lit
• Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them
• Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators
• Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire
• Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.