Safety tips for this Halloween

Photo courtesy of Bayasaa

As one of Ireland’s most popular annual celebrations, Halloween is an exciting time of the year, especially for children who enjoy dressing up and trick-or-treating.

However, it is also one of the most dangerous times of the year in Dublin and it’s important to take precautions.

The October holiday is renowned for fireworks and bonfires. If treated carelessly, both of these can cause severe injuries and burns that can lead to amputations in extreme cases.

Fireworks and bonfires are illegal, however they will be seen over the holiday and that makes it so important for children to have adult supervision at all times over the night.

Under the Explosives Act 1875, the Gardaí have the power to make arrests in relation to the possession of unlicensed fireworks with an intent to sell, throwing an ignited firework at a person or property, or lighting an unlicensed firework. The penalties for these offences are a maximum fine of €10,000, imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both.

Every year Dublin Fire Brigade and Ambulance Service receive over 1,100 calls during the Halloween period.

According to Juvenile Liaison Officer for Kevin Street Garda Station Liam Holland, Halloween is the busiest time of year for Dublin’s emergency services.

“It’s one of the biggest nights for the emergency services, and we will have extra police patrolling the Liberties area to ensure there is no anti-social behaviour and issuing a public order, mainly in relation to fireworks and people with too much drink on them,” he said.

Garda Holland is currently giving talks to fifth and sixth class students in local schools on Halloween safety.

Photo by Bayassa/Flickr