WITH Halloween creeping closer, fire chiefs have issued advice to families in a bid to keep everyone safe amid the coronavirus crisis.

Some of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service's top tips to staying safe this spooky season include keeping all fancy dress costumes away from naked flames and using LED candles in pumpkins, as they're less likely to catch anything else on fire.

Other tips include checking the labels on any fancy dress outfits for fire resistance and a registered trademark, adding cheaper products are more likely to be counterfeit and could burn quickly if they catch fire.

If, however, clothes do catch fire, fire experts advise residents must stop, drop and roll until the fire is put out.

They stressed in an emergency people should cool any burns with large amounts of water and get urgent medical help.

A statement on Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service's website says residents should respect people who don't celebrate Halloween, adding they advise the public to "look out for elderly neighbours who may be on their own".

Anyone who wants to download a free "no trick or treat poster" from Hampshire police should visit https://bit.ly/3mfot2P.

As reported, Hampshire police urged residents to obey the 'rule of six' in the run-up to Halloween as coronavirus cases continue to increase.

A spokesperson from Hampshire police said: "The 'rule of six' is legislation and we expect people to follow it as a crucial measure to protect the public."

They emphasised they are working with their partners in public health, who "continue to monitor and assess risks locally", adding advice around Halloween will be lead by public health partners.

Hampshire County Council also said they want everyone "to think very carefully" about how Halloween is celebrated this year, suggesting people can find "alternative ways to enjoy the event to ensure they stay COVID safe", according to a spokesperson from the local authority.

They advised children and adults should avoid door-knocking to protect themselves and their neighbours from touching shared surfaces, such as buckets of treats.