On this page you will find some useful tips and advice to help you celebrate Halloween and Bonfire Night safely.

You can also view and download the full Celebrate Safely leaflet here.

Trick or treat

Out and about

  • Make sure young children are always accompanied by an adult
  • If children are going out unaccompanied make sure that they know to:
  • Keep to well-lit areas, wear reflective clothing and carry a torch
  • Never talk to strangers who approach them
  • Go directly home or into a shop and ask for help if they are approached by strangers
  • Use the green cross code when crossing the street
  • Respect people’s choice to open or not open the door
  • Ensure that any ‘tricks’ do not damage people’s property

Unexpected callers

  • LOCK – keep front and back doors locked
  • STOP – are you expecting someone?
  • CHAIN – put a chain on before answering the door
  • CHECK – check the identity of all unexpected callers. Remember, genuine callers will not mind waiting outside while you call their employers to check who they are
  • If you don’t want any visitors on Halloween, download the ‘No Trick or Treaters’ poster now and display it in a visible place for everyone to see

Halloween Costume Fire Safety Advice

  • Make sure fancy dress costumes and masks are labelled as flame-resistant
  • Don’t use flammable materials to make home-made costumes. Be especially careful about using bin liners as capes
  • Try and avoid wearing capes, loose clothing and dangling sleeves as these can make the risk of catching fire greater and they are also a trip hazard too
  • Keep children away from naked flames and don’t let them carry lit candles or lanterns with a real candle in them
  • If you must use candles make sure they are securely placed in a correct holder away from curtains, cushions and draughts, and in a place where they aren’t likely to be knocked over
  • To limit the fire risk, use flickering LED candles rather than real candles in pumpkins so children aren’t exposed to naked flames
  • Make sure candles are extinguished when you go to bed
  • If you are using decorative lights in your home, ensure that electricity sockets are not overloaded and that they’re switched off at the socket at night

Bonfires

  • Do not leave rubbish or old furniture lying around – instead, store it securely behind a locked gate, away from your home. If you need to arrange a bulk waste collection, contact your local council.
  • Ensure your wheeled bin is off the street after collection day and make sure it is secure
  • Don’t build bonfires close to trees, hedges, fences or buildings
  • Keep everyone a safe distance from fireworks and bonfires

Fireworks

  • Only buy fireworks from a legitimate retailer
  • Check the fireworks you buy are suitable for the size of garden and conform to British Standard (BS 7114)
  • Always store fireworks in a metal box, which is kept closed between use – never put fireworks in your pocket!
  • Never hold a lit firework
  • Always wear gloves when holding a sparkler
  • Don’t set off fireworks in the street or busy places; you could seriously hurt yourself or somebody else

Remember

  • It is illegal to possess a firework if you’re under 18 years old
  • It is an offence to set off fireworks after midnight on 5 November
  • It is illegal to set off fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or public place
  • Breaking these laws can result in being arrested

Remember…

If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood call the police on 101 to report it.

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