Stay safe this Halloween and celebrate safely this Bonfire Night. Keep fireworks outside pets indoors, and never bring sparklers inside
It’s that time of year for spooky fun, fireworks, and family activities but it’s also important to stay safe while celebrating. We wanted to share some top tips and important information from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) so everyone can enjoy the season safely.
Halloween safety tips:
- Keep costumes away from candles and flames – they can catch fire easily.
- Teach children to “Stop, Drop and Roll” if their clothes ever catch fire.
- Be visible in the dark – add reflective tape or carry a glow stick when out trick-or-treating.
- Try battery-powered candles in pumpkins instead of real ones.
- If you do use candles, make sure they’re fully out before you leave the house.
- Keep decorations away from escape routes and doors.
Bonfire Night safety tips:
- The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend an organised display.
- If hosting your own, only buy fireworks from licensed or registered sellers.
- Never return to a lit firework or throw fireworks into bonfires.
- Keep a safe distance from fireworks and flames.
- Sparklers should only be used by adults and older children — never under-fives.
- Always wear gloves and hold sparklers at arm’s length.
- Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby to safely dispose of used sparklers.
Buying safely:
- Purchase fireworks and costumes only from reputable retailers and check for safety or flame-resistant labels.
- Avoid buying from unknown sellers or social media sites.
For more advice and safety resources, visit:
🔗 StayWise – educational resources from emergency services
🔗 Spark – Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service’s safety education website
If you’re worried about the safety of a product, contact Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy a sparkling (and spooky!) season responsibly.
Lithium Batteries – Powering Our Lives Safely
From phones and tablets to e-scooters and bikes, lithium batteries are part of everyday life — but it’s important to store and charge them safely to prevent fires.
A few simple safety tips:
- Never charge devices overnight or leave them charging on beds or soft furnishings.
- Always use the correct charger for your device.
- Don’t block vents – make sure there’s space around your device while charging.
- If a battery is damaged, swollen or overheating, unplug it immediately and replace it safely.
Let’s keep Ipswich safe, charge smart, store safely, and never take risks with lithium batteries.