Safety Information
Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to the safety of those little trick-or-treaters. We have put together some information to encourage everyone to have a spooky but safe Halloween, in terms of being mindful of costumes, fireworks, vulnerable people and pets.
FIREWORKS
Did you know it is illegal to possess, sell, handle or use fireworks if you do not have a licence? And you can be fined up to £5000 for breaking the law.
So, stay safe and make sure you only buy fireworks from a licensed seller and that you are also licensed to use them. Licences can be applied for from the Firearms & Explosives Branch, Department of Justice NI.
The closing date for all applications for a licence for Halloween fireworks displays is Friday 18 October 2024 – click here to find out everything you need to know and to apply.
Despite annual safety warnings, firework celebrations still often end in painful injuries for too many people, including very young children.
Advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is that the safest place to enjoy fireworks is at a large public display as far fewer people are injured here than at smaller family or private parties.
However, if you do plan to have a party including fireworks at home, you can make the occasion fun and safe for everyone by following the ‘Firework Code’.
Click here to read more about the Firework Code and how to ensure everyone stays safe this Halloween.
FANCY DRESS COSTUMES
Halloween is a time when both adults and children alike love to do a bit of dressing up! Unfortunately, fancy dress clothing has been implicated in a number of serious accidents, so keep yourself and your children safe this Halloween by following these tips on how to avoid buying flammable costumes.
- Check that fancy dress costumes carry a UKCA or UKNI mark
- Read the safety information
- Only buy from trusted places
- Avoid naked flames or candles – use torches, glow sticks or battery-operated candles instead.
Check out some more helpful advice on the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents website: https://www.rospa.com/home-safety/advice/product/halloween-costumes
VULNERABLE PEOPLE
Not everyone is a fan of Halloween and all that it brings – in fact, some people can be really scared. So please be mindful of neighbours who may feel especially vulnerable at this time of year.
Fireworks and knocking on doors can be extremely distressing for a wide variety of people, so whatever celebrations you are planning, keep that in mind and be considerate to others.
Maybe you could even go a step further and check in on neighbours that you feel might need a little extra support during this time.
PETS
Halloween can be an extremely anxious and frightening time for our pets. Lots of animals are afraid of the flashing lights, the bangs and the constant door knocking, putting a huge amount of stress on their brains and bodies.
There are many things you can do to help keep your pet calm and comforted including:
- Walking your dog earlier than normal so that people in costume, or with sparklers or fireworks, do not frighten them.
- Always keep your cats and dogs inside when there are fireworks nearby. They need to be in their ‘safe place’ so they have the option to run off and hide somewhere familiar.
- Put animals in a secure room during trick-or-treat time – cats can easily slip out the front door, and dogs can get overwhelmed by ‘intruders’ constantly at the door.
- Consider bringing any pets that live outside, inside to keep them safe.
- Keep the curtains shut if there is a lot of activity outside.
- Make sure your pets have access to water as dogs and cats tend to drink more when stressed.
You can find more helpful advice here: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/life-with-your-dog/seasonal/halloween
