Essex residents encouraged to stay safe this Halloween
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) has issued safety advice for residents.
While this year's Halloween will be a little different to what some of us are used to due to the pandemic, ECFRS is confident we can still have a safe and happy time.
They've suggested a range of activities people can do at home instead as Head of Prevention, Will Newman, explained: "We are encouraging people to come up with some creative ways to celebrate this year. Our main advice we want to give this year is to use flameless candles and lights instead of wax candles.
"Children’s fancy dress costumes can be very flammable and as they are classed as toys, they don’t always need to meet the same fire safety guidelines as clothes – please make sure to check the labels inside the costume. We want to prevent the cases we have seen across the UK where children’s costumes set alight very quickly causing devastating injuries.
"We have come up with some spooktacular ways that you and your family can celebrate safely this year:
"Stay home and create your own haunted house and use flameless or LED candles to create a spooky atmosphere. If you have to use wax candles, never give them to children to hold, even if it’s in a pumpkin. Never leave a lit candle alone, not even for a few seconds.
"Get cosy in your living room and have a scary movie marathon or why not organise a Zoom Halloween party this year? Dress up and stay in touch this Halloween and host a quiz or competition online while keeping yourself, family and friends safe."
People are reminded to keep any candles, if you use them, away from decorations or costumes and ensure they are blown out when you are not in the same room.
ECFRS says people should also avoid using flammable materials if you make home-made costumes, such as bin liners for capes.
More safety information can be found on the fire service's website.