Halloween horrors to avoid!

Halloween is meant to be all about scares, but there are some horrors that you’ll want to avoid. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has some top tips for enjoying the festivities safely:

• reduce the risk of fire by using battery powered tea lights in pumpkins, rather than candles
• fancy dress costumes are often highly flammable so it's important to stay away from naked flames while dressed-up
• if you're out trick-or-treating after dark, make sure you can be seen by wearing something reflective or carrying a torch

Please encourage your children to stay within the area they're already familiar with, stick with their friends and agree on a time for them to return home. Younger children should be accompanied by a responsible adult.

And remember, not everyone enjoys Halloween or wants people coming to their door. Some people, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, may get worried or even frightened if strangers are continually calling at their door during the evening.

People who welcome trick-or-treaters often put a pumpkin outside their house or in their window as a sign. If you'd like to welcome trick-or-treaters but don't have any decorations, Devon and Cornwall Police has a poster you can download and print to colour in. Or if you would prefer to spend a quiet evening undisturbed – they also have a “Sorry – no trick or treat” poster to put in your window.

Article credit Devon County Council