Dunboyne, Ireland – 31 October 2025
Halloween can be a fun and festive time for children and adults alike, but it’s important to prioritise safety to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable and incident-free holiday. Here are some fire and safety tips for Halloween in Ireland:
Fire Safety:
• Use battery-operated candles or LED lights in pumpkins and decorations instead of real candles to reduce the risk of fire.
• If you do use real candles, ensure they are in sturdy, non-flammable holders and placed on a stable surface away from flammable materials.
• Keep a close eye on any lit candles and extinguish them before leaving a room or going to bed.
• Make sure children are aware of the dangers of open flames and supervise them when they’re around candles or lanterns.
• Ensure all smoke alarms in your home are working properly.
• Don’t allow children to attend unsupervised bonfires.
• Extinguish any open flames and turn off or plug out any electrical Halloween decorations when going to bed.
• Don’t approach failed fireworks.
• Never handle lit fireworks.
• Never point/aim fireworks at others.
Costume Safety:
• Choose costumes that are made of flame-resistant materials. These should be CE marked.
• Avoid costumes that are too long, as they can be a tripping hazard.
• Use face paint and makeup instead of masks that can obstruct vision.
• Ensure costumes are well-fitted to prevent tripping and falling.
• Use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags to increase visibility when trick-or-treating in the dark.
Pumpkin Carving Safety:
• When carving pumpkins, use proper carving tools, not sharp kitchen knives.
• Supervise children if they’re involved in pumpkin carving.
• Consider using glow sticks or flameless candles inside pumpkins for illumination instead of open flames.
Trick-or-Treating Safety:
• Trick-or-treat in well-lit areas and stick to familiar neighbourhoods.
• Plan a route and share it with someone at home.
• Children should travel in groups and very young kids should be accompanied by an adult.
• Ensure children are visible by adding reflective materials to their costumes or carrying a flashlight.
• Only visit homes with lights on, indicating they are participating in Halloween activities.
• Check all treats before allowing children to eat them and discard any unwrapped or suspicious items.
• Stay on footpaths and use designated traffic crossings or check left and right before crossing the road.
Road Safety: (Drivers)
• If you’re driving on Halloween night, be extra cautious for pedestrians, especially children who may dart into the road.
• Slow down and obey traffic rules and signs.
• Avoid using your phone while driving.
Home Safety:
• Keep your home well-lit to prevent trips and falls.
• Ensure walkways and stairs are clear of obstacles.
• Keep pets in a separate, quiet area to prevent them from getting anxious or escaping due to the commotion.
• Extinguish any open flames and turn off or plug out any electrical Halloween decorations when going to bed.
By following these safety tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween for you and your family. Remember that safety is a priority, and it’s important to stay vigilant and aware of potential risks this year.
If you’d like to see how we can help you with your Health & Safety Training and Consultancy needs, whatever they may be, please get in touch by telephone on (01) 825 1302, or by email to info@nstn.ie.
