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24/10/2023
Public Urged To 'Take Extra Care' With Fire Hazards This Halloween
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has urged to public to "take extra care" with fire hazards introduced at Halloween.
The NIFRS said that while Halloween is a holiday to celebrate with fancy dress, trick-or-treating and fireworks, it's important to be vigilant of the potential safety risks during the spooky season.
On Halloween night in 2022, NIFRS were called to 84 incidents, lower than the previous year (31 October 2021) when they responded to 90 calls in the same 24 hour period.
Station Commander, NIFRS, Karen McDowell said: "Halloween can be one of the busiest times of year for us and we are urging everyone in our community to act responsibly. We want you, along with your friends and family, to have a safe Halloween.
"We understand that you want to celebrate, however if you plan to use fireworks, sparklers or candles please follow our fire safety advice.
"Please remember that fireworks are dangerous and can set fire to buildings and clothing. The explosive force of a firework can also cause serious injury, particularly to your hands and face. Only light them outside, in an open space, and keep children and pets well away from them.
"Sparklers can also cause serious injury, especially without proper supervision, as they burn at very high temperatures. Never give them to children under the age of 5 and always wear gloves when using them.
"Fancy dress costumes can be highly flammable. If you're making your own, don't use flammable materials such as black plastic bags. It's important to make sure children are properly supervised at all times and kept away from fireworks or open flames. If a costume catches fire remember STOP, DROP and ROLL to quickly put the flames out. "We witch you all a happy Halloween and recommend reading our safety advice ahead of the festivities.”
NIFRS Halloween Safety Advice
Fireworks are dangerous and can set fire to buildings and clothes and can cause serious injury.
• It is compulsory to have a license to use fireworks. More information is available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/fireworks.
• Only buy fireworks marked with a CE mark and read instructions carefully.
• When not in use, keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin and away from ignition sources.
• Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
• Always supervise children around fireworks and keep them well away from them.
• Keep pets indoors as the flames and noise upset them.
• Light fireworks at arm's length, one at a time in an open space outside using a taper and stand well back.
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
• Never go near a firework that has been lit, even if it hasn't gone off as it could still explode.
Sparklers can cause serious injury as they burn at very high temperatures. To a young child, the heat from a sparkler is equivalent to a welding torch.
• Store sparklers in a closed box in a cool, dry place.
• Always supervise children and never give sparklers to children under the age of 5.
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
• Hold sparklers at arm's length.
• Never hold a child with a sparkler in your hand.
• When burnt out, plunge hot end down into a bucket of water.
• Don't take sparklers to public displays.
Costumes can be highly flammable and can catch fire easily.
• Keep children away from naked flames.
• Use a torch or battery operated candles for pumpkins and decorations.
• Make sure costumes and masks don't restrict you or your child's vision.
• Wear woollen tights or heavy trousers and a woollen jumper under your costume.
• Ensure children are properly supervised at all times.
• Ensure costumes are labelled 'Low Flammability' 'BS5722' or have the European code 'BS EN 14878'.
• If making your own costume don't use flammable materials like black plastic bags.
• STOP, DROP and ROLL if clothing catches fire to extinguish the flames and stop the flames from rising towards the face.
The NIFRS said that while Halloween is a holiday to celebrate with fancy dress, trick-or-treating and fireworks, it's important to be vigilant of the potential safety risks during the spooky season.
On Halloween night in 2022, NIFRS were called to 84 incidents, lower than the previous year (31 October 2021) when they responded to 90 calls in the same 24 hour period.
Station Commander, NIFRS, Karen McDowell said: "Halloween can be one of the busiest times of year for us and we are urging everyone in our community to act responsibly. We want you, along with your friends and family, to have a safe Halloween.
"We understand that you want to celebrate, however if you plan to use fireworks, sparklers or candles please follow our fire safety advice.
"Please remember that fireworks are dangerous and can set fire to buildings and clothing. The explosive force of a firework can also cause serious injury, particularly to your hands and face. Only light them outside, in an open space, and keep children and pets well away from them.
"Sparklers can also cause serious injury, especially without proper supervision, as they burn at very high temperatures. Never give them to children under the age of 5 and always wear gloves when using them.
"Fancy dress costumes can be highly flammable. If you're making your own, don't use flammable materials such as black plastic bags. It's important to make sure children are properly supervised at all times and kept away from fireworks or open flames. If a costume catches fire remember STOP, DROP and ROLL to quickly put the flames out. "We witch you all a happy Halloween and recommend reading our safety advice ahead of the festivities.”
NIFRS Halloween Safety Advice
Fireworks are dangerous and can set fire to buildings and clothes and can cause serious injury.
• It is compulsory to have a license to use fireworks. More information is available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/fireworks.
• Only buy fireworks marked with a CE mark and read instructions carefully.
• When not in use, keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin and away from ignition sources.
• Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
• Always supervise children around fireworks and keep them well away from them.
• Keep pets indoors as the flames and noise upset them.
• Light fireworks at arm's length, one at a time in an open space outside using a taper and stand well back.
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
• Never go near a firework that has been lit, even if it hasn't gone off as it could still explode.
Sparklers can cause serious injury as they burn at very high temperatures. To a young child, the heat from a sparkler is equivalent to a welding torch.
• Store sparklers in a closed box in a cool, dry place.
• Always supervise children and never give sparklers to children under the age of 5.
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
• Hold sparklers at arm's length.
• Never hold a child with a sparkler in your hand.
• When burnt out, plunge hot end down into a bucket of water.
• Don't take sparklers to public displays.
Costumes can be highly flammable and can catch fire easily.
• Keep children away from naked flames.
• Use a torch or battery operated candles for pumpkins and decorations.
• Make sure costumes and masks don't restrict you or your child's vision.
• Wear woollen tights or heavy trousers and a woollen jumper under your costume.
• Ensure children are properly supervised at all times.
• Ensure costumes are labelled 'Low Flammability' 'BS5722' or have the European code 'BS EN 14878'.
• If making your own costume don't use flammable materials like black plastic bags.
• STOP, DROP and ROLL if clothing catches fire to extinguish the flames and stop the flames from rising towards the face.
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23 October 2024
Emergency Services Urge Caution During Halloween
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) are joining forces to promote firework safety ahead of Halloween. Halloween is typically a very busy time of year for emergency services with an expected increase in calls reporting a range of concerns, particularly around the misuse of fireworks.
Emergency Services Urge Caution During Halloween
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) are joining forces to promote firework safety ahead of Halloween. Halloween is typically a very busy time of year for emergency services with an expected increase in calls reporting a range of concerns, particularly around the misuse of fireworks.
03 October 2013
Ministers Urge Safety This Halloween
Northern Ireland's Health and Justice Ministers have urged the public to stay safe during Halloween celebrations this year. The announcement follows a record low in the number of people injured by fireworks. Just 14 incidents were reported last year.
Ministers Urge Safety This Halloween
Northern Ireland's Health and Justice Ministers have urged the public to stay safe during Halloween celebrations this year. The announcement follows a record low in the number of people injured by fireworks. Just 14 incidents were reported last year.
23 October 2006
Minister warns of dangers of fireworks
Health Minister Paul Goggins has today issued a warning on the dangers of fireworks in the run up to Halloween. Speaking at the Children's A&E Department at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, the Minister said: "Halloween is meant to be a time of fun, with school holidays, parties and fireworks.
Minister warns of dangers of fireworks
Health Minister Paul Goggins has today issued a warning on the dangers of fireworks in the run up to Halloween. Speaking at the Children's A&E Department at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, the Minister said: "Halloween is meant to be a time of fun, with school holidays, parties and fireworks.
30 October 2013
Fire Service Appeals For Fireworks Safety
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has appealed to the public to take care when using fireworks, following statistics that showed last year was the quietest Halloween night for fire crews since 1989. On 31 October 2012, Northern Ireland fire fighters received 183 calls and attended 133 incidents across Northern Ireland.
Fire Service Appeals For Fireworks Safety
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has appealed to the public to take care when using fireworks, following statistics that showed last year was the quietest Halloween night for fire crews since 1989. On 31 October 2012, Northern Ireland fire fighters received 183 calls and attended 133 incidents across Northern Ireland.
07 October 2008
Safe Halloween Campaign Launched
A fireworks display today marked the launch of the 2008 fireworks awareness, safety and enforcement campaign. Two local schools were invited to join this year's campaign launch at Whitla Street Fire Station.
Safe Halloween Campaign Launched
A fireworks display today marked the launch of the 2008 fireworks awareness, safety and enforcement campaign. Two local schools were invited to join this year's campaign launch at Whitla Street Fire Station.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
