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With Halloween just around the corner, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is urging the public to remember some important fire safety messages so that their celebrations do not become a terrifying experience for all the wrong reasons.

Every year at Halloween many adults and children are injured in accidents where candles or fireworks have ignited flammable costumes and hair. Plastic capes and bin liners, often used as costumes, are also fire risks.

Home made lanterns made from hollowed pumpkins and candles are extremely hazardous. If the candle tips over, it could set light to materials such as costumes, curtains, clothes and furniture and start a serious fire.

Gary Phillips, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, said; “Although Halloween is a time for fun, there is nothing more terrifying than having a fire at home or seeing your clothes catch alight.

“While we don’t want to stop people enjoying Halloween, we do want them to celebrate safely by following some simple advice both in the run up to the day and on October 31 itself.

“We are asking parents to think very carefully about the fire risks before encouraging children to make their own lanterns. And we also want to encourage parents to only buy Halloween costumes and masks which are labelled flame resistant. Children should also be kept away from naked flames at all times.”

ACFO Phillips also added that if people are thinking of decorating their home with lighting or special effects, then extra care should be taken not to overload electrical sockets.

“Decorative lights should always be switched off at the mains last thing at night or if the bulb needs to be changed," he added.