POLICE across Derry are advising the public to take stay safe this Hallowe’en and not become a firework injury victim.
The PSNI say: “Halloween can be enjoyed by everyone, but for some individuals ‘trick or treating’, bonfires, fireworks and sparklers may result in a rather nasty surprise.
“We would ask everyone to make Halloween fun for all.
“The weeks prior to and after Halloween are an increasingly busy time of the year for the Police Service with reports of criminal damage and youths causing annoyance to vulnerable people.
“Be considerate, think of others and stay safe.”
The public are urged to reports incidents of fireworks being thrown at houses and or cars or being let off in residential areas.
Last weekend a woman cheated injury when burning fireworks were pushed through the letterbox of her Magherfelt flat.
If you are thinking of using fireworks as part of a celebration, you should follow these safety steps:
- only buy fireworks marked with a CE mark – this shows that the firework meets European safety standards which all fireworks must meet (a reputable shop will know this)
- don’t drink alcohol if you’re setting off fireworks
- store fireworks in a closed, metal box and take out one at a time
- keep a bucket of water nearby
- follow the instructions on each firework – read by torchlight, don’t use a naked flame
- light fireworks at arm’s length, using the taper provided
- make sure everyone stands well back
- don’t go back to a firework that is lit – even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode
- don’t put fireworks in your pocket
- don’t throw fireworks
- always supervise children around fireworks, don’t give sparklers to a child under five
- light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
- keep pets indoors
- don’t set off fireworks late at night
- take care around open flames such as bonfires and barbecues – all clothes, even those labelled ‘low flammability’, can catch fire.
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