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With Halloween and Bonfire Night just around the corner, many children will be excited about dressing up, enjoying treats and spending time with family and friends.
We want everyone to have a fun and memorable time, so here we have brought together a few simple tips to help families enjoy the celebrations safely. It can also help to talk these through with your child beforehand, so they know what to do if something does not go to plan.
Firework Safety
•An organised display is usually the safest and easiest way for families to enjoy fireworks.
•Please make sure only responsible adults buy, light or handle fireworks, and remind children that fireworks are never toys.
•Help children find a safe place to watch, well back from the display. They should follow the organiser’s or supervising adult’s instructions and never pick up, throw or return to a firework - even if it has not gone off.
•Please keep children well away from bonfires and remind them never to throw fireworks, aerosols or other objects onto a fire.
Sparklers
•Children under five should not be given sparklers. Older children can enjoy them with close adult supervision.
•Light one sparkler at a time, wear gloves and hold it at arm’s length. Encourage children to stand still and never wave a sparkler near another person.
•Have a bucket of water ready for used sparklers, as they stay very hot after the flame has gone out.
Staying Safe When Out and About
•Keep children with a trusted adult and agree where you are going and what time you will be home. Remind them not to enter anyone’s home or vehicle without you.
•Bright or reflective clothing and a torch will help children to be seen. Check that costumes and masks allow them to see clearly and walk safely.
•Use pavements and safe crossing places, stop, look and listen before crossing, and keep phones away near roads.
•Visit only homes that are welcoming trick-or-treaters, respect any signs asking visitors not to call, and keep treats sealed until an adult has checked them.
Respecting Our Communities
•Help children understand that not everyone welcomes callers or enjoys fireworks, and encourage them to be considerate of neighbours, pets and other animals.
•Remind children never to start a fire, damage property, throw objects or make a hoax call.
•Make sure your child knows what to do if they become separated, worried or feel unsafe: stay in a well-lit public place and speak to a trusted adult, police officer, event steward or member of staff.
•If there is an emergency, children should move to a safe place, find a trusted adult and call 999 if they are able to do so. Make sure they know how to explain where they are and what has happened.
Costumes, Candles and Flames
•Keep costumes, wigs and decorations well away from candles, bonfires, fireworks and other flames. Battery-operated candles or glow sticks are a safer choice.
•When choosing a costume, look for a UKCA or CE mark and follow the safety warnings. Avoid loose or trailing material and check that masks do not restrict your child’s vision.
•Practise stop, drop and roll together, so your child knows to cover their face with their hands and call for an adult if clothing catches fire.
A quick family conversation before heading out can make a real difference. With a little planning and plenty of adult support, children can enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night safely.
Thank you for helping us keep children safe while they enjoy the celebrations.
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