As October falls away and Halloween treats are the word on the street, quickly followed by the Big BANGS in the sky for Fireworks night – lets remove the tricks and celebrate these fun holidays safely.
Halloween and Fireworks night are hugely popular holidays enjoyed by many residents – BUT it’s important to remember to stay safe and that it’s not fun for everyone!
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is reminding residents that not everyone likes a knock on the door for Halloween and the safest way to celebrate Bonfire Night is to attend a professionally organised public event.
Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said:
“With Halloween and Bonfire Night approaching we thought it would be a good opportunity to remind people the importance of staying safe, whilst having fun.
“Halloween isn’t for everyone and some residents may find this time of year very difficult and whilst most people enjoy fireworks responsibly, in the wrong hands they can cause problems.
“I would urge residents to attend organised fireworks displays - they are more fun, cheaper and safer than hosting their own fireworks party. However, if you are planning on using fireworks for a private event, please follow the fireworks safety code.
“Remember, only buy fireworks from a reputable and licensed retailer. Before purchasing, seek advice on the suitability of fireworks for the space available, and check that they meet current safety standards.”
Halloween Safety
- When purchasing or making costumes and masks, make sure that you use non-flammable material or that they are labelled as flame-resistant.
- Consider swapping costumes with friends or neighbours to encourage re-use.
- Ensure costumes fit correctly and that they have had additional safety testing, such as provided by the British Retail Consortium’s code of practice. Notification is likely to be shown with wording, such as: ‘This garment has undergone additional safety testing for flammability.’
- Always keep children away from naked flames.
- If your clothing does catch fire, remember to stop, drop and roll to smother the flames.
- For anyone with food allergies, carefully check the ingredients shown on packs of sweets.
- Consider using flameless candles – either LED, battery-operated or electronic lights or glow sticks, so children can be seen easily.
- Only knock on the doors of houses that are clearly supporting Halloween – not everyone likes Halloween.
- Vehicle drivers are reminded to be extra cautious as there will be an increase in children on pavements and crossing roads.
- Recycle your left-over party waste, including left over sweets in your food waste caddy – sign up at www.rctcbc.gov.uk/foodwaste.
Fireworks Night
If you can’t attend an organised public events, here’s some guidance for anyone having their own fireworks display:
Top safety tips for Fireworks Night and other events where fire safety needs to be considered:
- Only buy CE marked fireworks from reputable and licensed shops. Before purchasing, seek advice on the suitability of fireworks for the space available, and check that they meet current safety standards.
- Keep fireworks in a closed, metal box.
- Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back.
- Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
- Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
- Never return to a firework that has not gone off, and never throw used or unused fireworks onto a bonfire.
- Never drink alcohol while lighting a bonfire or setting off fireworks.
- Always supervise children and don’t give sparklers to a child under five.
- Keep your bonfire at least 18 metres away from houses, trees and hedges. There should be a barrier around the bonfire to keep spectators five metres away. Before lighting a bonfire, check it is stable and that there are no children or animals inside.
- Only burn dry wood, never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire and think about the direction of smoke travel.
- Keep some buckets of water nearby.
- Have consideration for those around you, including notifying neighbours who may have pets or farm animals.
- Consider where fireworks and debris might fall, ensuring safety distances are provided for people to keep safe. Safety distances are provided on each firework label or package.
- Recycle your left-over party waste, including left over bangers (sausages) in your food waste caddy – sign up at www.rctcbc.gov.uk/foodwaste.
Permitted firework hours
- It is an offence to let fireworks off between 11pm and 7am except on 5th November when the cut off is midnight, and on Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year when the cut off is 1am.
- It is also an offence to set off fireworks in a public place.
Keep Animals and Pets Safe on Fireworks Night
Many animals and pets will find Fireworks Night incredibly scary, often causing stress, anxiety and even aggression – please remember to consider this if you are having your own display and consider posting information and times on your local neighbourhood Social Media group.
- Walk dogs early.
- Keep cats inside.
- Create a safe space in your home.
- Close windows, curtains and blinds.
- Turn up the TV or consider playing Classical music.
- Give rabbits extra bedding.
- Stay at home and comfort them.
- Give them a treat to distract them.
- Ensure your pets microchip details are up to date.
Anyone with concerns that retailers are not licensed or if shops are not storing fireworks appropriately, selling fireworks that do not display appropriate safety marks or selling to anyone under 18, please contact Citizens Advice, helpline on 0808 223 1133. Alternatively more information is available at www.rctcbc.gov.uk/TradingStandards.
For more information on keeping your pets safe please visit the RSPCA webpages.
Posted on 24/10/2024