Stay Safe this Halloween 2021

Every Halloween, An Garda Síochána and the Fire Service receive a high number of callouts to bonfires and firework related incidents. An Garda Síochána are urging parents to stay safe and not to buy illegal fireworks for their children this Halloween. 

It’s an offence for anyone to possess fireworks without a license. The possession of unlicensed fireworks can result in a fine of up to €10,000 or up to five years imprisonment, or both. Fireworks cause damage to property, injury to people and animals, and can be an annoyance to elderly people. An Garda Síochána will continue to confiscate any fireworks found in the possession of persons without a license.Tips for a safe Halloween

• If you are attending an organised fireworks and bonfire display, stay a safe distance away as wind can carry sparks long distances
• Young children should be accompanied by an adult when trick-or-treating
• If you are trick-or-treating, skip houses with no lights on
• Wear reflective material so that you can clearly be seen by motorists and cyclists
• Fire resistant materials should be used for costumes
• Keep pets indoors on Halloween night

Try our Halloween Crossword Challenge and Halloween Colouring Page (linked below) to get younger children thinking about safety on Halloween.

In 2020 An Garda Síochána in partnership with Dublin Fire Brigade and Temple Street Children’s Hospital developed a video for children which can be played by their teachers in their classroom or parents/guardians at home.

This video informs children of the laws in relation to fireworks as well as fire safety advice. The long term effects of injuries from fireworks are discussed by Dr. Nuala Quinn, Temple Street Hospital and the stresses experienced for animals are addressed by the Garda Dog Unit