GLOUCESTERSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service and its educational centre SkillZONE, is reminding people on how to stay safe this Halloween.

Many people will be celebrating Halloween this weekend, whether it is a party with friends, decorating the house, or trick or treating with the family.

To help make sure that people stay safe when enjoying the festive celebrations, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue and SkillZONE has released seven spooky suggestions: 

Halloween pumpkins look great and really add to the festive cheer. For piece of mind use a candle holder to light it up and keep it away from decorations, curtains and costumes.

Lots of spooky costumes include long flowing fake hair or plastic capes that blow in the wind.  Though these items look great, they can be hazardous so stay away from naked flames.

When buying costumes for children or young people, try to check the label and be sure to buy fire retardant outfits.

Scary costume masks for children or young people can often be too big; be sure that they can see clearly out of them.

Decorating the house and garden with candles and lanterns is part of the Halloween fun, but try and keep small children and pets away from any open flames.

Before the celebrations begin, have some fun with children by teaching them how to stop, drop and roll. Help them be prepared for anything  catching on fire.

Transforming the home into a house of horrors isn’t an easy task but make sure that all exits are clear of decorations.

Stewart Edgar, chief fire officer at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Halloween has grown year on year and understandably, there is a lot of excitement around it.

"We do not want to stop people enjoying themselves, but we would ask that everyone takes extra care to make sure Halloween is safe as well as fun."

SkillZONE Manager Donna Potts adds: “We teach fire safety to every young person who visits our centre along with using candles safely - especially tea-lights.”

“Battery operated candles are the safest way to go at Halloween but if you are going to have a naked flame make sure to place lit pumpkins away from anything that can burn.”

 

Cllr Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure, said: “With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, I am sure that people will be celebrating even more than normal.

"I would encourage everyone to have a great time but ask them to be responsible as well and take care.”