With preparations well under way across the country for Halloween, here are some tips to stay safe on the spookiest night of the year.

Gardaí have offered advice to make sure that you, your family, friends and neighbours can all have a safe Halloween:

• Please be mindful and respectful that not everyone will be participating in Halloween.
• Children should always be with an adult when trick or treating.
• Only trick or treat in lit up areas or ensure that you are well lit up.
• Remember that fireworks in public places are not legal.
• Throwing eggs and flour are not fun tricks – and it will get you into trouble with the Gardaí.
• Remember to care for the environment – illegal fireworks and illegal bonfires can be extremely dangerous and cause lasting environmental damage.

On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, reporter Josh Crosby said more than 450 tonnes of bonfire materials such as pallets, mattresses and tyres have been confiscated by Dublin City Council over the past two weeks.

In Josh’s report Dublin Fire Brigade Assistant Chief Fire Officer John Guilfoyle said because the weather forecast is looking good, they are expecting an “awful lot” of people out tonight – raising the demand on their services.

Stand back

Mr Guilfoyle’s advice for people this Halloween is not to attend unorganised or uncontrolled events.

“But look, if you're going to attend something like that, do give a bit of space - you don't have to get the front row seat at the bonfire,” he said.

“Stand back - you don't want to be inhaling dangerous fumes, that's not good stuff.

“If you see an incident kicking off, if it looks like the bonfire is going to collapse, give yourself space - stay back from it.”

Halloween spirit

Over the past decade, Gardaí have seized 1,218 explosives during Halloween festivities.

A Garda spokesperson said they will “prioritise the safety of young people and the wider community” during Halloween.

"If you are celebrating Halloween this year, we want you to safely enjoy the night and we’re asking young people in particular to please be sensible.

"You can get into the spirit of Halloween without causing distress to others, potentially endangering yourself by using illegal fireworks or doing anything potentially criminal that will get you into bother.”

Gardaí are also asking drivers to slow down and show extra caution while driving over the next 48 hours as more people, including small children, will be on the roads.

Fireworks going off in Dublin City Center. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie