Dorset & Wiltshire firefighters issue warning over Halloween fancy dress
Don't let your Halloween be scary for the wrong reason say Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is warning people to not let Halloween become scary for all the wrong reasons.
Every year on 31 October, children and adults are injured in accidents where candles or fireworks have set fire to costumes and hair. Plastic capes and bin liners, often used as costumes, are also fire risks.
Prevention Delivery Manager Ian Hopkins said:
“We don’t want to stop people enjoying Halloween, but we do want them to celebrate safely. There is nothing more terrifying than having a fire at home or seeing someone’s clothes catch fire.”
The following top tips will help you reduce your fire risk this Halloween:
• Buy from a reputable retailer– cheap or imported costumes may not meet UK safety standards and, at worst, may carry fake safety labelling.
• Layer up– wear clothes under dressing-up costumes, to give a layer of protection between the costume and your skin. This can help protect the skin in the event of a fire incident.
• Don’t let your child go near any ignition sources – sparklers can burn at up to 2,000 degrees Celsius.
• Replace candles in pumpkins with battery powered lights – these are cheap, they don’t blow out and are much safer.
• Teach your child to ‘stop, drop and roll’ in case their clothing does catch fire.
• In an emergency, cool any burns with large amounts of water and get urgent medical assistance.
• If you do use candles, make sure they are securely placed in a correct holder and in a place where they are not likely to be knocked over. Keep them away from curtains, other soft furnishings and draughts.
• Make sure candles are extinguished when you go to bed.
• If you are using decorative lights in your home, ensure that electricity sockets are not overloaded and that they’re switched off at the socket at night.
To encourage children to learn about celebrating Halloween and Bonfire Night safely, the Service is running a special competition, with the winner getting a VIP visit to a fire station.
Mr Hopkins said:
“Our Education team have developed a special online resource, including a safety story read by Firefighter Paul. All children have to do is listen to the story, remember the safety messages, find the hidden words and ask an adult to send that sentence in by the deadline of 7 November.”
The entry form can be found here.
Wiltshire Police Superintendent Liz Coles said: “We hope that those celebrating Halloween or out ‘trick or treating’ have a fun and safe evening, but I would encourage everyone to take care when out.
“Halloween is an enjoyable evening for some, however for others particularly elderly and vulnerable residents, and those living on their own it can be distressing or frightening time.
“It doesn’t matter if it is Halloween or any other day there is no excuse for making people feel scared or frightened, or damaging other people’s property.
“If you are out ‘trick or treating’ this Halloween please consider carefully which doors you knock on.
“As with previous years those happy to take part usually decorate their homes, and if the lights are off or there is a ‘no thanks’ posters up, please be respectful.