07/10/2008

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.

The children, from Seaview Primary School and St Patrick's College, were given a demonstration of the importance of fireworks safety, and of the need to have a licence.

Speaking about the campaign, NI Public Safety Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "Halloween is a time closely associated with people having fun and parties and, of course, with fireworks. Unfortunately, while they are entertaining and exciting, if not handled properly fireworks can be extremely dangerous, leading to injuries, often serious ones.

"I want families to have a safe and enjoyable Halloween, which is why the launch of today's fireworks safety campaign is so important."

Also commenting, NI Security Minister Paul Goggins said: "You must have a licence to buy and use fireworks. If you don't, you are breaking the law and risk getting a criminal record. By buying fireworks illegally, you are lining the pockets of the organised criminals who are profiting from their sale, and taking a serious risk with your own personal safety."

Meanwhile, Peter Craig, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service said: "The run up to Halloween is always a busy period for our firefighters. We want everyone in the community to enjoy themselves but to do so safely and responsibly. Fireworks can be dangerous and without proper supervision they can cause serious injury.

"We would appeal to the public – parents, young people and community leaders - to always follow the Firework Code and plan any Firework display in advance to make it both safe and enjoyable."

The police will also be busy. PSNI Chief Superintendent Brian Maguire said: "We want people to enjoy their Halloween festivities. However, the community must realise there are serious consequences associated with misuse of fireworks.

"Therefore, Police will be targeting the hotspot areas of Northern Ireland, making particular efforts to disrupt the illegal sale and importation of fireworks.

"Our officers will also be highly visible in working to tackle the issues of underage drinking, on street drinking and related anti-social behaviour," he said.

(BMcC)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

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.
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.
24 October 2022
PSNI And Partners Issue Halloween Safety Message
The PSNI and partners in Derry City & Strabane are urging everyone to have a "safe and enjoyable Halloween".
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.
20 November 2024
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.