Safety is paramount

TONIGHT is Halloween, a magical time for so many children but, nonetheless, a time when safety must be the absolute priority.

The ‘Be Safe – Stay Safe’ campaign, launched earlier this month by Dublin Fire Brigade in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, the DSPCA and Dublin Bus, was at pains to point out to young people just how dangerous illegal fireworks and bonfires can be.

A similar message has been sent out by local councils and other organisations all over the country.

It is only right that children should enjoy themselves and make the most of the fun of the festival, but it is vital that parents keep a close eye on proceedings, and that they inform their children of all the potential hazards that Halloween can bring.

Last year, let’s not forget that Dublin Fire Brigade alone was called to respond to 1,120 emergency calls, and had to deal, on the ground, with almost 400 bonfires which were out of control and presenting a risk to either life or property.

That Halloween has now become a much more commercial festival than of old is not the issue.

Indeed, to see so many parents entering into the spirit of the occasion and decorating their homes for their children’s benefit is a positive development.

But Halloween can be a hazardous and distressing time – for children and, of course, for family pets. So let’s make sure that tonight we adhere to that campaign slogan. And let’s be safe and stay safe.