Avon Fire & Rescue Service encourage families to stay safe this Halloween

Avon Fire and Rescue Service (AF&RS) are encouraging families to celebrate Halloween (31 October) safely this year. 

This Halloween we’re sure many families are planning to celebrate the occasion with parties, pumpkin carving and trick or treating.  As spooky festivities begin and trick or treaters knock upon your front door, it’s easy to forget the potential hazards at Halloween. 

Meghann Elvin, Children and Young People’s Prevention Manager, said: “We want to make sure you and your family keep safe this Halloween without taking away from all the fun!” 

“Instead of using candles to decorate your pumpkins and your home, opt for battery powered LED lights, making sure they have appropriate safety markings. These are much safer as they reduce the risk of burns and other injuries which can have life-long impacts.” 

“Make sure everyone in your family knows how to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothing catches alight: stop where you are, drop to the floor and roll over and over until the flames are out. Make sure to practise before the celebrations begin.”  

Trick or treating wouldn’t be the same without an array of costumes. Whatever they’re dressing up as, make sure that your children’s outfit is as safe as possible by following our key advice: 

Costumes 

• Buy your costume from a trusted retailer 
• Avoid long, trailing costumes 
• Ensure that your costume is flame resistant and labelled with a CE mark 
• If you’re making your own costume, avoid using flammable materials like bin liners 
• Keep costumes away from tea lights, candles and naked flames 

Decorations 

• It is always safer to opt for LED tea lights and candles to light your celebrations and create a spooky atmosphere. Naked flames present many dangers no matter how careful you are. 
• If you are using real tea lights and candles, ensure they are securely placed in a correct holder.  
• Keep children away from naked flames and don’t let them carry lit candles in a lantern.  
• Make sure real candles are extinguished when leaving a room or when you go to bed. 
• Keep decorations, curtains and other flammable materials away from naked flames. 

Stop, drop and roll! 

If clothing catches fire, remember to… 

• STOP where you are. Running around will only make the flames bigger… 
• DROP onto the floor lying flat with your legs out straight… 
• And ROLL! Keep rolling repeatedly until the flames are out. 

Watch Fido the Firedog’s useful video, so you know how to stop, drop and roll: Stop Drop and Roll! – YouTube 

Quick thinking and actions when the worst happens could help prevent more serious injuries.