Halloween takes place this year on Tuesday 31 October and it is likely some people will be enjoying early celebrations this weekend. We have put together some handy tips to keep you and your family safe over the Halloween period.
Fire safety
- Use battery-operated candles in your pumpkins
- Use battery-operated torches and glowsticks
- When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric and make sure they are labelled as flame-resistant.
- Teach children to stay away from pumpkins in case they have a live flame inside
- If you are decorating your home, please make sure all decorations are away from open flames, ovens, microwaves and radiators.
- Make sure to keep all exits clear of decorations in your home.
- Make sure all smoke alarms are working.
Stay street smart
- Always accompany young children
- If your older children are trick-or-treating without adult supervision, plan a route with them and agree a time they will get back home.
- Remind children the risk of distracted walking and remind them to not assume cars will always stop at crossings.
- Stay on well-lit streets in well known areas and always use the pavement.
- Caution children to never enter a house or car to receive their Halloween treat.
- Remind children of all ages what to do in case of an emergency and how to call 999.
Halloween disturbances and home safety
- Remember that some people will not want to be disturbed. If there is a pumpkin outside a house, it’s usually a good sign they are happy to receive trick-or-treaters.
- When out trick-or-treating, be mindful of your noise and do not ring someone’s doorbell or knock more than once.
- If you want to receive trick-or-treaters, always use a door chain or look out of a spy hole/window before opening the door.
- Only open the door if you feel it’s safe to do so. If you don’t feel safe, it’s fine to not open the door.
- Some people leave a bowl of sweets outside their home so they don’t have to keep answering the door.
- If you’re worried about Halloween night, invite a friend, family member or relative to sit with you.
It’s ok to not take part in Halloween
If you don’t want to receive trick-or-treaters and are concerned about staying safe, always have your doors and windows locked. We have created a poster you can print at home or at your local library to attach to your front door so you won’t be disturbed.
