With the spooky season in full force, Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) is sharing some top tips for ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
What will you be doing this October 31st? Perhaps you’re having a Halloween party, going trick-or-treating, or staying in and avoiding the festivities. Whatever you’re up to, you can make the night safe for you and others by taking some simple precautions.
Nikki Rice, Prevention Manager at AF&RS said : “Lots of people like a good scare at Halloween, but no one wants to fear for their life.
“Pumpkins are a Halloween staple and are often carved out and lit with a tealight to decorate your home. It’s a good idea to use LED candles instead, but if you are using real candles, do not leave them unattended and ensure that they are fully extinguished before you leave them.”
Pumpkin pointers for a safer night:
- Swap tealights and candles for LED candles. These inexpensive battery-operated or rechargeable lights will last you for celebrations to come and don’t present a fire hazard like traditional candles.
- If you’re out trick-or-treating, avoid houses with no decorations up as this is sometimes how people communicate that they don’t want to take part.
- Dispose of your pumpkin quickly and safely after the celebration. You can chop it up and put it into your food waste recycling or a compost bin.
Nikki added: “Materials like binbags and cotton wool can easily catch on fire, so if you’re dressing up, make sure your costume is made safely. Avoid long trailing garments that could easily drape into a lit pumpkin and if your clothes do catch on fire, remember to STOP, DROP, and ROLL. If you need us, don’t hesitate to call 999.”
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