Each year, Accident and Emergency departments are filled with children who receive horrific and painful injuries as a result of the misuse of fireworks and bonfires.
Tips for a Safe Halloween:
- If you see material such as pallets, tyres and old furniture being hoarded in advance of Halloween please email environment@meathcoco.ie or telephone 046 9097000
- Do not leave material lying around that may be taken for a bonfire; many garage or garden shed items such as petrol, white spirits, diesel, aerosols, batteries, tins of paint, bottles and tyres are extremely dangerous if set on fire
- Do not facilitate illegal bonfires or firework displays on or near your home or property
- Contact the Local Authority if you see a bonfire being built or lit close to buildings, trees, overhead cables, underground services or car parking areas
- Explain the dangers of illegal fireworks and bonfires to children and teenagers
- Stay a safe distance from bonfires and fireworks – wind can carry sparks long distances and can cause permanent injuries and scars
- Stay with your children and escort them on “trick or treat” visits, parties and events
- Keep dangerous substances such as oil, petrol and diesel away from fires or fireworks
- Parents, businesses and householders – Do not provide any materials for bonfires
- Do not buy, use or supply fireworks
- Respect the work of the Emergency Services, Council Staff and the Garda
- Keep pets indoors on Halloween night
- Above All – Be Safe and Stay Safe