Emergency Services Urge Caution During Halloween

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) are joining forces to promote firework safety ahead of Halloween.

Halloween is typically a very busy time of year for emergency services with an expected increase in calls reporting a range of concerns, particularly around the misuse of fireworks.

Superintendent Finola Dornan said: "We want everyone to stay safe this Halloween and have a fun, enjoyable night. Fireworks are made from explosive material and, if misused, can cause serious and life-changing injuries. For this reason, we are urging people to use fireworks legally and safely and being mindful of the damaging impact that fireworks can have on quality of life in local communities in terms of noise, fire risks and on people with sensory sensitivities and family pets.

"The law is clear that fireworks - except indoor fireworks and sparklers - must be bought from reputable, licensed dealers who are required to keep sales records. It is illegal to possess, sell, handle or use fireworks if you do not have a licence. And you can be fined up to £5,000 for breaking the law.

"In the lead up to the Halloween period we are visiting shops to ensure licences to sell fireworks are up to date and that sellers are complying with all relevant legislation.

"Our officers will continue to be proactive in recovering illegal fireworks during searches across Northern Ireland, working closely with our partner agencies to target those involved in the sale of illegal fireworks.

"Local police will be out and about to prevent anti-social behaviour and minimise the impact on local communities as far as is possible.  If you have any concerns about anti-social behaviour in your community or the misuse of fireworks, you can contact us online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

"We will act on information you provide," added Superintendent Dornan.

NIFRS Group Commander, Paul Morrow said: "We want everyone to enjoy Halloween but the misuse of fireworks and sparklers can have a devastating impact. They can set fire to property, the environment and clothing. "The explosive force of a firework can cause serious injury particularly to your hands and face. If you are using fireworks, only light them outside in an open space at arm's length using a taper and keep children well away from them.

"Fancy dress costumes can be highly flammable so keep them away from fireworks and open flames. Swap out candles for battery operated lights. If a costume catches fire remember STOP, DROP and ROLL to quickly put the flames out.

"Sparklers can burn at fierce temperatures. If using sparklers, never give them to children under the age of five, and always wear gloves, preferably leather ones. Supervise children and ensure they hold the sparkler at arm's length. When the sparkler has finished, put it into a bucket of cold water."



If you are celebrating Halloween this year, we hope you have a spook-tacular time. By following this simple advice, you can make sure your family and friends have a safe and injury-free Halloween.

• Please be mindful and respectful that not everyone in our community will be taking part.

• Vandalism including throwing things like eggs and flour will not be tolerated. This may be classed as criminal damage, and you could end up getting you in trouble with the police.

• Children should always be accompanied by an adult when trick or treating. You should only go to houses of people that you know and who are happy for you to call.

• Fireworks require a licence - except indoor fireworks and sparklers.

• Fireworks should only be purchased from reputable licensed dealers, not from market stalls or individuals selling door-to-door.

• It is illegal to possess, purchase, sell, handle or use fireworks except under licence.

• Only adults should light or handle fireworks.

• NEVER, EVER go back to a firework once lit - even if it does not go off.

• When watching fireworks, stand well back.

• It is an offence to throw fireworks in the street or other public places.

• Always supervise children around fireworks.

• Never give sparklers to children under the age of five.

• Light sparklers one at time and always wear gloves.

• Keep a bucket of water close by and put sparklers in it when they go out.

• You can be fined up to £5,000 for breaking the law in relation to fireworks.

For more information about fireworks licencing visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/fireworks