Halloween Fire Safety

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Have a #ScaryButSafe Halloween

Halloween is fast approaching, and we are sharing our top tips around candle safety and road safety to ensure everyone has a safe but spooky Halloween!

We would urge people not to use naked flames while their children are dressing up for Halloween or bonfire night. This would include lighting candles in the home and use of candles and tea lights in pumpkins. LED candles, displaying the correct kite mark, are a safe alternative; they can look very realistic and are an inexpensive option.

The design of costumes, often made with flowing robes or capes, means they can easily catch fire from a candle or flame and very quickly engulf a child in flames. The popularity of Halloween fancy-dress for children has grown enormously in recent years so cutting the risk of flames catching a costume in the first place is also an important safety measure. 

Sarah Litt, Community Safety Team Leader said “We know the last year has been extremely challenging and difficult time for our communities. As the world tries to return to a new normal, we understand Halloween is an annual event many have been looking forward to celebrating this year.

“We would like to remind parents to protect their children from flammable fancy dress costumes, and strongly advise using battery powered candles instead of real candles during this spooky season.”

Sarah added: “If you are going to participate in trick or treating, please stay safe while crossing the roads by ensuring you remain cautious while crossing the road”.

CDDFRS has issued the following advice:

  • Check the labels on any fancy-dress outfits you buy and see what fire resistance they offer
  • If in doubt check with the customer services department or the store manager
  • Do not 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 candles – these are cheap, they do not blow out and they are much safer
  • Remain cautious when near roads and junctions
  • Teach your child to STOP, DROP and ROLL in the event that their clothing does catch fire
  • In an emergency cool any burns with large amounts of water and get urgent medical assistance.