AA Ireland has issued top tips for keeping safe this Hallowe’en, emphasising the importance of staying safe and being vigilant about potential dangers.
Hallowe’en presents specific challenges on Irish streets. To aid in lessening these risks, AA Ireland is providing essential guidance for drivers, homeowners, and parents.
Road safety advice for drivers this Hallowe’en
Hallowe’en can introduce unpredictability on the roads, underscoring the need for motorists to exercise additional caution, especially in populated areas and residential communities.
- Slow down: Exercise reduced speed when navigating through neighborhoods, considering that enthusiastic children may dart onto the road without caution;
- Stay alert: Remain vigilant for kids dressed in dark costumes, as their visibility may be compromised. Be mindful of pets that could be startled by fireworks and dash onto the road unexpectedly;
- Illuminate your path: Ensure your headlights are switched on earlier in the evening, as darkness descends more swiftly during this season.
Home safety tips for Hallowe’en: Fire prevention and pet welfare
Hallowe’en festivities can pose safety risks within households. With candles, adornments, and outfits in play, fire hazards may escalate during the celebrations.
- Mindful candle placement: Ensure that candles, jack-o’-lanterns, or any open flames are positioned away from flammable items such as curtains, paper decorations, or attire;
- Explore safer options: Opt for battery-powered or LED lights instead of candles in pumpkins or outdoor embellishments to minimize the risk of fires;
- Pet welfare: Keep your pets indoors in a quiet, secure space to shield them from the commotion caused by loud fireworks or boisterous trick-or-treaters. Provide them with essentials like food, water, and a familiar setting for comfort.
Trick-or-treating safety: Safeguarding your young trick-or-treaters
As parents and kids gear up for Hallowe’en fun, safety should take center stage during trick-or-treating adventures.
- Costume care: Opt for flame-resistant costumes that are vivid and reflective, or enhance visibility with reflective tape. Ensure costumes do not impede your child’s eyesight and consider adjustments to prevent tripping;
- Road rules reminder: Before setting off, instruct children to cross streets only at corners, avoid spaces between parked vehicles, and adhere to traffic signals. Encourage them to pause, scan, and listen before crossing;
- Visibility aids: Outfit children with flashlights or glow sticks to enhance their visibility to drivers, particularly in poorly lit areas.
Home fire safety: Stay prepared
As Hallowe’en approaches, take the opportunity to reinforce fire safety measures in your home.
- Smoke alarms check: Verify that all smoke alarms are in good working condition;
- Fire extinguisher: Ensure you have a functional fire extinguisher readily available for potential emergencies;
- Candle caution: Position candles and illuminated pumpkins away from doorsteps or entrances where costumes could catch fire easily. Whenever feasible, choose safer lighting alternatives.
Meanwhile, An Garda Síochána in Meath has appealed to the public to try to reduce distress to pets and livestock in the run up to the Hallowe’en festivities, and to never set off fireworks near or towards any animal.
Fireworks are illegal and dangerous, causing many injuries each year. An Garda Síochána urged the public not to buy, sell or use fireworks. Please act responsibly and alert gardaí if you come across the use or sale of fireworks.
An Garda Síochána in Meath has issued the following fireworks safety tips for pets:
- Keep your pets secured inside your home. Even dogs in fenced yards find ways to escape the scary sounds;
- Give them a safe place to hide. Set up a comfortable room or crate in your house just for them;
- Use ambient noise to mask the noise. A radio or TV playing comforting music works well;
- Update their IDs and microchips;
- Skip the celebration and stay home with them. Sometimes your presence makes all the difference;
- Keep them busy. Treat toys, like Kongs, can help distract them during the display.
The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) recently issued tips and advice to pet owners ahead of Hallowe’en to help keep pets safe during what can be a stressful time for animals.