Minister Alan Kelly.

Be careful at halloween appeals minister

Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Alan Kelly, has  advised parents to be aware of fire safety and to always consider fire risk in the run up to Halloween.

“Halloween can be a fantastic time of year, especially for children and we all have fond memories of the excitement and fun at this time. I do not wish to be seen to be dampening all the fun, but I do wish to encourage parents to be sensible and to be safe. Smoke alarms should be checked as they provide life-saving early warning should a fire occur. It’s a great time to buy fresh batteries for your home smoke alarms and practice home escape plans,” the minister said.

People need to be aware of the very real fire safety hazards that arise from illegal bonfires, where the burning of highly combustible materials may lead to serious injuries. Young children should be kept well away from bonfires and indeed all naked flames at all times.

Other Halloween activities represent fire safety risks too, including flammable costumes, candles and fireworks. Every year at Halloween, many children are injured in accidents where lighted candles or fireworks have ignited flammable costumes and hair. Parents should strive to only buy Halloween costumes and masks that are labelled as flame resistant.

If common sense precautions are taken, it can make all the difference and help to ensure celebrations do not become a terrifying experience for all the wrong reasons,” Minister Kelly said.

Mr Kelly also asked people to spare a thought for the Fire & Emergency Services personnel who risk their lives all year round but particularly at this time of year to keep others safe. “We should respect the good and sometimes dangerous work undertaken by the fire and ambulance crews especially at this time of the year when there are heightened risks to safety of crew members,” said Minister Kelly.

Meanwhile, Age Action is asking people to keep an eye on vulnerable neighbours.  For many older people Halloween can be a distressing time with people calling to the door or setting of bangers and fireworks.  If you are out with children Trick-or-Treating please keep an eye on older neighbours that they are not being bothered.