Staying safe this Autumn [Archived]

Serious accidents can easily be prevented by following these simple tips for a safe and enjoyable Halloween.

• Keep decorations and costumes away from heat or flames and remember to keep doors, communal areas and your escape route clear of decorations.
• Check decorations are safe and look for damaged wires or loose connections as they could cause a fire. Ensure all electrical items have a British or European safety mark.
• Take extra care with candles - they are extremely dangerous. If a candle tips over it could set fire to materials such as costumes, curtains, clothes and furniture and start a serious fire.
• Use battery operated lights within homemade lanterns and pumpkins. They look realistic and they’re much safer than candles.
• Be careful not to overload plug sockets. An extension lead or adaptor will have a limit to how many amps it can take.