Take extra care throughout Halloween, Bonfire Night and Diwali celebrations

As the clocks go back and the dark evenings draw out in front of us, many of us are eagerly lighting up sparklers, carving pumpkins, and preparing for Diwali festivities.

However, during the Festival of Light, Halloween or Bonfire Night celebrations, it’s important not to end up shrouded in darkness; a rogue firework, candle or a flammable costume could leave revellers haunted.

Sam Bateman, a Trainee Solicitor in our Personal Injury team, offers his guidance on staying safe and secure at this festive time of year.

Avoiding décor disasters

Diwali is synonymous with the warm glow of diyas (oil lamps) and the vibrant colours of rangoli decorations. During Diwali, be sure to handle diyas with care - these traditional lamps are an integral part of the celebrations, but always remember to place them safely to avoid accidents.

Just as using the correct utensils when carving pumpkins is crucial to prevent injuries throughout your Halloween celebrations, using designated candle holders for diyas can help you avoid unintentional burns or fires. And for those concerned about safety, battery-operated tea lights are an excellent alternative to traditional candles, and can be used in both Halloween pumpkins and Diwali decorations alike.

Caution with costumes and cosmetics

Throughout these celebrations, it is important to be wary of costumes and cosmetics. Halloween costumes pose a serious risk with bin liners and plastic masks proving to be particularly flammable.

If buying new make-up for Diwali, always check the ingredients list and perform a patch test before applying any cosmetics for yourself or a loved one. Cosmetics can cause serious allergic reactions and how you apply them can make all the difference. Always check the ingredients list and always perform a patch test. Be wary of purchasing products via third parties, especially online. If you do notice any adverse symptoms such as itching or burning during use, immediately remove the product from the skin and seek medical advice.

However you are celebrating at this time of year, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) urges parents to always supervise children if they are near candles, and check if costumes carry a UKCA or UKNI mark on the label.

Enjoy responsibly

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people to enjoy firework displays and bonfire festivities responsibly this year, after it was called out to 555 deliberate fires last year between October and November.

We would always encourage people to handle candles, sparklers, fireworks and bonfires with care as misuse could be extremely dangerous.

We would also urge people to attend organised fireworks displays, which are safer, and run by trained professionals, and first aiders are more likely to be on hand if something goes wrong. This could help to prevent devastating fires and life-changing injuries.

Road safety

During the five days of Diwali celebrations, many of us will visit family and friends for parties, feasts and New Year greetings. For Bonfire Night, we head to outdoor settings after night falls to enjoy fireworks displays, and Halloween sees trick-or-treaters walk from house to house. When walking at night – particularly with children – ensure you stay on well-lit, public footpaths where possible and consider enhancing children’s visibility by adding UV tape to outfits.

For drivers, be extra vigilant during Diwali, Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations. Drive at slower speeds in residential areas, and be mindful of shortcuts and cul-de-sacs that may be frequented by those participating in festivities. Halloween might see children trick-or-treating from Saturday 28th – Tuesday 31st October, and Bonfire Night celebrations may occur between 3rd – 5th November. Diwali festivities will take place from 10th – 14 November, with the main celebration of the Festival of Light landing on 12th November.

The Personal Injury team at JCP Solicitors has been ranked in both the Legal 500 and Chambers directories and is one of the leading Accident and Injury teams in Wales. For more information contact Sam Bateman on sam.bateman@jcpsolicitors.co.uk or telephone 03333 209 244.

For more Halloween and Diwali fire safety advice please visit South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).