28 October 2009

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service is urging the public to remember some important fire safety messages this weekend, so that their Halloween celebrations do not become a terrifying experience for all the wrong reasons.

Every year at Halloween, many adults and children are injured in accidents where lighted candles or fireworks have ignited flammable costumes and hair. Plastic capes and bin liners, often used as costumes, are also fire risks.

Homemade lanterns made from hollowed pumpkins and candles are extremely hazardous. If the candle tips over, it could set light to materials such as costumes, curtains, clothes, and furniture, and start a serious fire.

Terry Ridgley, Community Safety Manager, said: "Although Halloween is a time for fun, there is nothing more terrifying than having a fire at home or seeing your clothes catch alight.

“Whilst we don’t want to stop people enjoying Halloween, we do want them to celebrate safely. By following some simple advice both in the run up to the day and on 31 October itself will make sure everyone is safe to enjoy the festivities.

“We are asking parents to think very carefully about the fire risks before encouraging children to make their own lanterns. And we also want to encourage parents to only buy Halloween costumes and masks which are labelled flame resistant.

Most importantly, however, homes should be fitted with smoke alarms all year round, which should be checked regularly, to provide life-saving early warning if a fire does occur."

Terry offered the following advice to help you reduce your fire risk this Halloween:

Lanterns:

• Think carefully about the fire risks before attempting to make homemade  lanterns. If possible buy a ready made one that is safe and secure for the age of the person/child carrying it.
  
• Ensure that the right type of light is used for the lantern.
  
• Remember never to allow small children to use a lantern that is lit by a naked flame as the handles may get hot and the child may slip or fall whilst carrying it.
  
• Lanterns should never be made from plastic bottles or other containers, which are very dangerous and if handled carelessly could result in burns and also cause a fire. There is also the danger that the previous contents of the bottle may be combustible.

Costumes:

• Ensure that any Halloween costume and mask are labelled as flame resistant.
  
• Keep children away from naked flames at all times.

Lighting

• If there are decorative lights being used ensure that the electric sockets are not overloaded.
  
• Decorative lights should always be switched off at the mains last thing at night, or if the bulbs require changing.

Candles

• Candles are often used during this period to ‘add to the atmosphere’. Ensure that the candles are securely placed in a correct holder, away from drafts and placed where they are not likely to be knocked over.
  
• Never let children play near candles.
  
• Ensure that the candles are extinguished completely at night.