RESIDENTS in Carmarthenshire are being urged to have a happy Halloween and not get their fingers burnt on Bonfire Night.

The Community Safety Partnership – as part of all-Wales Operation Bang - is urging people to have fun but to stay safe and not let celebrations get out of hand.

Shops and supermarkets are being asked not to sell eggs and flour to young people in the lead-up to October 31.

Posters have also been produced for householders to display in their windows to say whether they welcome trick or treaters*.

Police will be stepping up patrols, visiting licensed premises and working with trading standards regarding the sale of fireworks.

Parents are being urged to make sure they know where their children are and what they are doing and encourage them to attend organised events such as Halloween discos and public fireworks displays.

*The posters are also available in Polish and in Braille, call Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567 for more information.

Trick or treating advice:

• Always go with an adult
• Only to go to houses where you or your friends know the people and know you are welcome
• Only go to houses displaying the ‘trick or treaters’ welcome poster
• Don’t talk to strangers
• Don’t enter the house always stay on the doorstep

Fireworks safety:

• Always buy fireworks that conform to British Standards. They should have BS 7114 written on the side of the box.
• It is illegal for anyone under 18 to be in possession of a firework.
• It is illegal to set off fireworks after midnight on November 5.
• Keep fireworks in a closed box. Follow the instructions on each firework, light at arm’s length, and stand well back,
• Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
  Always supervise children around fireworks.
• Keep pets indoors.
• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
• Do not set off fireworks in a street or public place (unless it is an organised event).