Balloon & Sky Lantern Release

We at Port Talbot Party Shop will not support or knowingly sell balloons to any customer who plans or has planned a balloon release. Balloon release is banned in Neath Port Talbot on council land and a number of other Councils throughout Wales and the rest of the UK , the negative impact of balloons and sky lanterns on wildlife, in particular marine life, is well documented.

We understand that there may be different reasons that people may wish to take part in organised balloon release events, however there are other activities that can be undertaken. These include virtual balloon releases, balloon sculptures or indoor ‘pop a balloon’ events, whilst for memorial events, candle lighting or bubble blowing have proven to be popular as an alternative. We would urge any customer to consider these alternatives, which will avoid causing unnecessary harm to our wildlife.

We do not sell Sky Lanterns, (also known as Chinese lanterns). These have been banned across all 22 local councils in wales, Once released, can travel for miles and have been known to entangle livestock and wildlife, or even kill them when the debris is mistaken for food. They also pose a fire risk and can be confused with distress flares. We urge all customers and members of the public to think twice before releasing balloons and sky lanterns.

Balloon Safety


Latex Balloons

  • Fully inflated balloons do not present a hazard to young children, however, burst balloons can be exceedingly dangerous.
  • Once a balloon has burst, immediately throw away the pieces. Children can be tempted to chew pieces of latex or even stretch them over their mouths to blow bubbles. There is a danger of the latex being drawn into the mouth and subsequently blocking airways.

Balloon Sticks

  • Many balloon sticks come in two pieces; a cup which the balloon attaches to and a stick which attaches to the cup. The cup is fairly small and may present a choking hazard should it become loose. If balloons are to be given to children on sticks, we recommend buying one-piece moulded balloon sticks.

Helium

  • Helium is a natural, non-flammable, non-toxic gas. There is no ecological damage resulting from the use of helium. It can be used safely either inside or outside. However, helium is contained in heavy, pressurised cylinders.


NEVER DELIBERATELY INHALE HELIUM. IT IS AN ASPHIXIATE AND CAN CAUSE SUFFOCATION AND EVEN DEATH


Please Remember -

  • Do not release helium balloons into the environment as they can harm wildlife and farm animals. They can also litter the countryside and coast. Enjoy your balloon and, when it is deflated, dispose of it responsibly.
  • Balloons are intended for display purposes, increased handling may cause damage to the balloon.
  • Balloons are intended for indoor use. If choosing to display outdoors please take weather conditions into consideration.
  • Never use a metallic ribbon with a foil balloon.
  • Some balloons may conduct electricity - Do not release near overhead power lines.
  • Excessive heat could cause the balloon to burst.



Candle Safety


  • Always put candles on a heat resistant surface. Be especially careful with night lights and tea lights, which get hot enough to melt plastic. TVs are not fire-resistant objects
  • Put them in a proper holder. Candles need to be held firmly upright by the holder so they won’t fall over. The holder needs to be stable too, so it won’t fall over either
  • Position them away from curtains. Don’t put candles near curtains or other fabrics – or furniture. And keep them out of draughts
  • Don’t put them under shelves. It’s easy to forget that there’s a lot of heat above a burning candle. If you put it under a shelf or other surface then it can burn the surface. Make sure there’s at least three feet (one metre) between a candle and any surface above it
  • Keep clothes and hair away. If there’s any chance you could lean across a candle and forget it’s there, put it somewhere else. You don’t want to set fire to your clothes or your hair
  • Keep children and pets away. Candles should be out of reach of children and pets
  • Keep candles apart. Leave at least four inches (10cm) between two burning candles
  • Take care with votive or scented candles. These kinds of candles turn to liquid to release their fragrance, so put them in a glass or metal holder
  • Don’t move them when they’re burning. Extinguish candles before moving them. Also, don’t let anything fall into the hot wax like match sticks
  • Don’t leave them burning. Extinguish candles before you leave a room. Never go to sleep with a candle still burning. And never leave a burning candle or oil burner in a child’s bedroom
  • Use a snuffer or a spoon to put them out. It’s safer than blowing them, which can send sparks and hot wax flying
  • Double check they’re out. Candles that have been put out can go on smoldering and start a fire. Make sure they’re completely out.

Fragrance Oil Safety


  • Avoid getting fragrance oil on your hands or in your eyes.
  • Clean up any spillage straight away.
  • Don't leave them lying around during or after use. Make sure they go back in a cupboard or other place that is inaccessible to children, pets and vulnerable adults.


Storing your fragrances and what to do in an emergency


  • Keep your fragrances where your children and anyone vulnerable cannot access them, ideally locked up.
  • If anyone does drink a fragrance oil, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. It might seem instinctive to do so but this can make things much much worse. Do not give them anything to eat or drink unless advised to do so by a trained health care professional.
  • Take the person who has consumed it straight to A&E. If for any reason this is not possible call 111 if the person is responsive, or 999 if they are not. Take the fragrance oil bottle with you.


Wax Melt Safety


  • Do Not add water to hot wax as it can be dangerous.
  • Hot wax can cause burns to the skin so be very careful.
  • Do Not ingest – if eaten seek emergency medical attention immediately.
  • Place your burner out of reach of children and pets.
  • Ensure your burner is not placed near drafts but in a well ventilated area.
  • Do Not leave unattended while in operation.
  • Ensure you remove any plastic packaging from wax melts before use.
  • Do Not transport an oil burner while in use as melted wax can spill and cause burns.
  • Ensure wax melts are stored in a safe place away from children as they may smell or look like sweet and the should not be eaten.
  • Do not pour melted wax into drain.