Halloween is fast approaching, and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue (CDDFRS) are sharing their top tips around candle safety and road safety to ensure everyone stays safe this spooky season.
Community Safety Team Leader Sarah Litt said: "Halloween is an especially exciting time for families and children, with many eagerly planning their costumes months in advance.
“Whether you’re dressed to scare or dressed to impress, we want to make sure that children and adults alike can enjoy it as safely as possible.
"Our biggest tip of the season is to use LED candles inside your pumpkins and around your front porches instead of lighting tealights and other candles.
“LED candles, displaying the correct kite mark, are a safe alternative; they can look very realistic and are an inexpensive option.
“We would urge people not to use naked flames while their children and those visiting your house are dressing up for Halloween or bonfire night.”
Offering tips for Trick or Treaters and those dressing up, Sarah added: "Halloween costumes do undergo fire safety tests and labelling is also clearer than ever before.
“But some costumes are classed as toys and so do not have to meet the same fire safety requirements as clothing.
“The design of costumes, often made with flowing robes or capes, means they can easily catch fire, if they’re a flammable material.
“So please check the labels on your Halloween costumes – that same advice goes for adult costumes too!”
Parents are advised that if the worst was to happen and a costume catches fire, a child should ‘Stop, Drop and Roll, until the flames are out – the same advice applies to adults.
And lastly, if you're trick or treating in the dark, then CDDFRS ask that you please also make sure you stay on footpaths and remain highly visible to motorists travelling through the area – especially if you’re wearing dark costumes!
