Keeping safe this Hallowe’en

LOCAL schoolchildren were given some important lessons in Hallowe’en safety by members of Ennis Gardaí and Clare Fire Service in the lead-up to the holiday weekend.
Pupils in schools across Ennis and its environs were told about the dangers and the laws surrounding fireworks and bonfires as part of Operation Tombola 2011.
Gardaí and members of the fire service visited a number of schools, including Barefield National School, Inch National School, Coláiste Muire and CBS.
Community Garda Deirdre O’Doherty explained, “This was about educating them about the dangers associated with fireworks and bonfires. This is a very important message for the children. We want people to be able to have fun at Hallowe’en but to do so safely and to consider others and to remember the laws in relation to using any fire or explosive item.”
The students were shown a DVD and photographs of injuries that have been received as a result of fireworks and bonfires and urged to be careful.
Both the gardaí and fire service stressed to the pupils the importance of adult supervision at bonfires and encouraged that the fire service not be hindered in doing their job if they are called to deal with a bonfire.
The strict laws regarding the use of fireworks and the dangers associated with using them, were also outlined to the pupils. The pupils were urged to keep their pets indoors to avoid distressing them. They were also told to consider elderly people while celebrating Hallowe’en.
“We asked them to look out for their elderly family members or neighbours. This can be an upsetting time for elderly people and we asked the students to consider them in any activity they do. It can be particularly distressing for an elderly person to have something like a firebanger thrown through their letter box,” said Garda O’Doherty.
Road safety when out trick or treating was also discussed, with the pupils encouraged to make sure they can be seen.
Gardaí involved in Operation Tombola were Sergeant Frank Naughton and gardaí Deirdre O’Doherty, Cyril Page, Denis Collins, Alison Hardiman and Alison Shortt. Members of Clare Fire Service involved were firefighter David Wood and sub-fire officer Frank Gormely.
Operation Tombola targets the possession, use and sale/supply of illegal fireworks. Legislation allows gardaí investigating firework offences to search, enter, arrest and seize. Under the act offences include possessing fireworks with intent to sell or supply; throwing an ignited firework at any person or property; igniting a firework or cause it to be ignited; not holding a licence to import fireworks.
Sergeant Joe Downey, crime prevention officer, has offered advice to parents in relation Hallowe’en. He has called on parents who discover their children have bangers or fireworks to remove them and hand them into the local garda station.
“Know where your children are at all times and be even extra vigilant at this time of year,” he advised.
“Ensure your children know about the dangers associated with fireworks. Stay with your children and escort them trick or treating or to other events. Make sure they can be clearly seen by road users. Only use fire-resistant material when making costumes. Keep pets indoors.”
In relation to bonfires, he has urged people to contact the local authority or garda station if they see materials that are possibly being stockpiled for burning on a bonfire.
“Do not facilitate illegal bonfires or fireworks displays on or near your home or property,” he said.
He advised that people keep a safe distance from bonfires and fireworks and to keep dangerous substances away from fires and fireworks. He asked that people not give material for bonfires and if they see a bonfire getting out of hand to call the fire service immediately.