[29 October 2007]

HALLOWEEN FIRE SAFETY

With 31st October just around the corner, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are urging the public to remember some important fire safety messages this Halloween, so that their 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, can also be 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.

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.

Chris Pascoe, Head of Community Safety, outlined; "Although Halloween is traditionally a time for spooky behaviour and frightening fun, there is absolutely nothing more terrifying than having a fire at home or seeing your clothes catch alight. Whilst we do not 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 the 31st October itself. We are asking parents to think very carefully about the fire risks before encouraging children to make their own Halloween lanterns. We also want to encourage parents to only buy Halloween costumes and masks, which are labelled as flame resistant. Children should be kept away from naked flames at all times."

Head of Community Safety, Chris Pascoe added; if people are thinking of decorating their home with lighting or special effects, then extra care should be taken not to overload electrical sockets. Decorative lights should always be switched off at the mains last thing at night and 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.

For more fire safety advice, telephone Community Safety on 0800 1777069