Survival Guide to Halloween and Bonfire Night

1. Think about your safety

Halloween Safety Advice for trick-or-treating from Thames Valley Police.

Firework, candle, decoration and lantern safety advice from Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service.

Firework Safety Tips from Worsley First Aid Training.

The Fireworks Act 2003 and the Fireworks Regulations 2004 prohibit the use of fireworks between the hours of 11pm to  7am except on specific dates and festivals (Bonfire Night, New Year’s Day, Diwali and Chinese New Year). They also impose a maximum decibel level (120 decibels) for fireworks intended for public sale. These regulations are enforced by the police and County Councils’ Trading Standards. 

 

2. Think about the animals

How to protect hedgehogs & other wildlife by Hedgehog Bottom Charity in Thatcham 

Why fake spiderwebs are so dangerous for wildlife.

Top tips for helping dogs who are scared of fireworks from Rhona at Paws4Transformation.

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes it illegal to cause unnecessary suffering to animals, including through the misuse of fireworks and requires people to take reasonable steps to protect animals under their care from pain, suffering, injury, and disease. 

Here are some tips for keeping animals safe during firework season:

• Be aware of animals that may be close by when setting off fireworks. 
• Warn neighbours including farmers with livestock

If you witness fireworks causing unnecessary suffering to animals, you can report it to the police. Make sure to get an incident number from the police.

3. Think about your teeth

Kids asking for a mountain of sweets this Halloween (and every other day of the year)? This spooky soup recipe recommended by Lambourn Valley Dental Practice is an eye-popping distraction from sweets.

 

4. Think about the planet

Top tips for a green Halloween – how to make the most of your pumpkin, make your own plastic-free costumers and avoid sweet wrappers

Reminder from the Environment Agency about bonfires: burning household waste can cause pollution, harm people, wildlife and the environment and could lead to a fine of up to £50,000.

5. Think about the pain

Fireworks are fun but when you’ve seen a near-miss, or (god forbid) an injury, it is very sobering. Here are some Burn Treatment Tips from Worsley First Aid Training

6. Think about your dignity

How adults should not behave at Halloween…

7. Think about reading a spooky story

Instead of going out, it might be safer to stay at home and read a spooky story.

Penny Post
Author: Penny Post

Penny Post is a community notice board serving West Berkshire, Wantage, Swindon, Marlborough and surrounding areas so there

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