Halloween Safety Statement
As in previous years during the “run-up” to Halloween, Gardaí, Fire, and Local Authority Services are warning about the serious dangers associated with fireworks and Bonfires. 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. Hazardous Materials like tyres, aerosols, foam filled furniture, and batteries will behave erratically and cause toxic fumes which is bad for our health, especially for asthma sufferers and those with respiratory diseases. Dangerous substances such as oil, petrol, diesel and spray cans are often used and result in terrible injuries, including burns, loss of limbs and serious eye injuries.
It should be borne in mind that the sale, possession or use of fireworks in this country is illegal.It should be also noted that it is illegal to possess any fireworks that may have been legally purchased outside of the jurisdiction and then brought into the State. Many of the fireworks that are offered for sale illegally here have not passed any quality control tests and are possibly defective. The Gardaí will confiscate any fireworks found in the possession of persons and such persons are also liable to prosecution. In addition, there is a specific offence under law for throwing any ignited fireworks in public places.
Apart from the risk of injury, fireworks can cause great distress and annoyance to elderly residents. They can also cause great distress to family pets and animals. Finally, there always the possibility of outbreaks of fire in property if fireworks such as ‘rockets’ continue to burn after landing. All of this, causes unnecessary extra demands on Garda, Fire Service and Local Authority resources. Every year the Halloween clean-up is a major cost to your Local Authority – think what that money could do for YOUR community
Tips for a safe Halloween:
• We ask Parents, businesses and households to be vigilant and to ensure that you do not leave material lying around that may be taken for a bonfire.
• If you see material such as pallets, tyres, old furniture or other combustible materials or waste being hoarded in advance of Halloween please contact Carlow County Council’s waste enforcement section on [email protected] or 059-9136232
• Stay with your children and escort them on “trick or treat” visits, parties and events.
• Keep pets indoors on Halloween night.
• Do not buy, use or supply fireworks.
• Contact the Fire Brigade or Local Authority if you see a bonfire being built or lit close to buildings trees, overhead cables, underground services or car parking areas
Above All –Be Safe and Stay Safe
