Halloween & Bonfire Night Safety Tips from Merseyside Fire & Rescue

Halloween and Bonfire Night are just around the corner and we want to make sure everyone stays safe and has loads of fun.

We all know to put sparklers in buckets of water after use, we all know how to stop, drop and roll should our clothing or costumes accidentally catch fire, but did you know it’s illegal to let off a firework in a public place, or that causing anti-social behaviour with eggs and flour can land you a hefty fine?

Common sense rules when it comes to Halloween and Bonfire Night fun. The advice from Merseyside Fire & Rescue and Merseyside Police is to attend an organised event, such as River of Light and leave the firework safety to the professionals.

Michael Buratti, Arson Team Manager for Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service said: “Deliberately started fires on the run up to bonfire night are a huge drain on already overstretched Fire Service resources. Attending such fires may delay our response to a life threatening incident.

“We would urge people on the run-up to bonfire night to report any build-up of combustible materials that could be used for deliberate fires by calling 0800 731 5958 or via our Facebook and Twitter pages.”

Don’t get caught out this Bonfire Night, here’s 5 things you need to know about Fireworks and the law….

1 – It is illegal for under 18s to buy fireworks, shops should refuse to sell to people under 18 and ask for proof of age if there is any doubt.

2 – It is against the law to carry or use adult fireworks if you are under 18. An adult firework is any firework except a cap, cracker snap, novelty match, party popper, serpent, sparkler or throw down

3 – Under the Explosives Act of 1875, It is illegal to let off or throw a firework in a public place

4 – It is illegal to sell fireworks form unregistered/licensed premises

5 – Don’t light fireworks after 11pm, or midnight on 5 November

Not everyone enjoys Halloween and Bonfire Night. With loud noises and unwanted knocks on the door after dark, the elderly and vulnerable are often frightened and anxious. Merseyside Police urge communities to look out for each other and for adults to take responsibility for their kids.

Chief Inspector Paddy Kelly said: “This is always a fun time of year and we want to make sure that everyone can enjoy the organised events and activities safely.

“Our message during this period is simple – anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and anyone caught committing this type of offence will be dealt with firmly and robustly. No one should have to suffer being the victim of anti-social behaviour and I would like to reassure everyone that there will be extra high-visibility patrols during this time.

“We know the vast majority of young people have respect for other people and their property but we know the behaviour of some can go beyond fun.

Here’s 5 safety Dos & Don’ts for young families this Halloween….

Do’s

1 – Only trick or treat in your own neighbourhood and stick with an adult, stay in well-lit areas where there are plenty of houses

2 – Make sure an adult knows the area you plan to visit and what time you’ll be back

3 – Look out for ‘no callers please’ posters and respect your neighbours

4 – Lock away any building materials if you’re having work done

5 – If you have a wheelie bin avoid leaving it visible at the front of your home

Don’ts

1 – Don’t cut through back alleys, parks or fields, and don’t trick or treat too far from home

2 – Don’t go alone – take an adult with you or stay in a group

3 – Eat any treats until you get home so that an adult can check them

4 – Don’t allow children to leave the house with eggs or flour

5 – Don’t buy or set off fireworks in public places or after 11pm

If anyone believes they have information about the illegal sale, use or possession of fireworks, please contact Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 731 5958 , Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.