Be Safe, Not Sorry This Halloween and Bonfire Season!

As part of ‘Operation BANG’, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has once again teamed up with local partner agencies from South Wales Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service to make sure that everyone who wants to celebrate Halloween and Bonfire Night does so safely.

This time of year, is not fun for everyone and many people don’t like a knock on the door for Halloween and find Bonfire Night distressing.

Trick or Treaters are being asked to be considerate and to only knock on the doors of people who are clearly celebrating Halloween – A lit-up pumpkin on the doorstep is generally a clear sign.

Parents and carers are also being warned about the safety of Halloween costumes and to make sure that they are purchased from a reputable retailer, especially when buying online! Make sure that they use non-flammable material or that they are labelled as flame-resistant.

Halloween Costume Safety Tips

Look for the CE / UKCA mark on the label, which means it has been safety tested.

Buy from a trusted source.

Ensure costumes fit correctly, checking for laces, drawstrings and small, trailing or floaty parts, which could pose a risk, and read all safety information on the label, and on packaging.

Always keep children away from naked flames.

If your clothing does catch fire, remember to stop, drop and roll to smother the flames.

Food Allergies

For anyone with food allergies, carefully check the ingredients shown on packs of sweets and advise young children to bring items home to be checked before eating them. More information can be found at Anaphylaxis UK – Spooky-Safe Halloween: Tips for a Fun and Allergy-Friendly Nightwith allergies | Anaphylaxis UK

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.

“Be considerate of others and also think safety first, when buying costumes or indulging in your treats. Black might be a great colour for witches, but remember they can fly and you can’t, so you need to be seen in the dark!

“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.

“Fireworks are also very distressing for a number of our residents, who may be deeply traumatised by past events in their lives – their sudden booms, flashing lights, and smoky trails can trigger intense reactions for those who’ve experienced trauma, especially combat Veterans. Loud noises may resemble gunfire. The unpredictability of neighbourhood displays can shatter a Veteran’s sense of safety. We all need to be considerate of this and help those who might be struggling at this time of year.”

“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. Make neighbours around you aware of your plans, so that they can plan for their individual needs ahead.”

Councillor Ann Crimmings, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services added:

“Lighting any type of fire in a public place without the landowner’s permission is both illegal and extremely dangerous. It’s really important to be safe not sorry and what might seem like fun can quickly turn into a seriously dangerous situation. Every year the Streetcare team help to prevent so many incidents as they come across some really hazardous waste, all dressed up as a Bonfire!

Combustible materials such as plastics, rubber, or painted materials produce fumes that are toxic to residents once lit. The burning of materials like foams and plastics releases toxic chemicals and gases that can seriously affect the health of local residents.

“We have uncovered so many dangerous items in these illegal Bonfires over the years – this doesn’t even take in to account the concerns over air pollution, landfill, recycling, and climate change. We don’t support any official bonfires and would always advise against these taking place.

Another key thing to think about this Halloween is your costume safety – make sure they are made from non-flammable materials.

The Halloween and Bonfire period is traditionally extremely busy for the emergency services; last year South Wales Police received just over 1,828 calls for service* on Halloween, October 31st, and a further 1,534 on November 5th, Bonfire Night. Of those calls 757 were via the emergency 999 number on Halloween, while 694 emergency calls were received on Bonfire Night.

While demand often peaks on those dates, the period before, during and after those dates is also often extremely busy, placing additional demand on police and partner agencies.

Superintendent Naomi Drew, force lead for Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), said:

“As Halloween and Bonfire Night approach, we understand that while these events bring excitement and celebration, they can also raise concerns for many in our communities. To prevent fireworks-related disorder and other forms of anti-social behaviour we will be working closely with the fire and rescue services, Welsh Ambulance Service Trust (WAST) and our wider partners.

ASB, arson and criminal activity can have serious consequences, including fines or imprisonment. We are urging everyone to enjoy celebrations safely and respectfully, so that our communities can come together in a positive and responsible way

We kindly ask people to act responsibly, help us to help keep you safe, and remember not everyone wants to take part.

“We anticipate a very busy period for ourselves and the other emergency services, and there will be increased patrols in place across ASB hotspots. We urge members of the public to report their concerns and contact us if they need help.

“We are committed to keeping the public, our officers and emergency service colleagues safe, and we will be supported by specialist resources and partners throughout the Halloween and Bonfire festivities.

“Finally, we would like to appeal to parents and guardians to have frank conversations with young people and to be aware of what they are doing and who with, and where possible, to accompany them if they are out trick or treating or attending firework displays, to ensure they are acting in a safe and respectful manner.”

The Council’s Community Wardens will also be increasing their patrols across Rhondda Cynon Taf to help increase support and resident safety.

Concerns around antisocial behaviour and public safety is a matter for the police.

If you witness suspicious activity, you should report it immediately to help protect your community:

​Report to the Council: Visit Rhondda Cynon Taf Council website – www.rctcbc.gov.uk/ReportIT

​Report Anonymously: You can also call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If it’s not an emergency, you can report it to South Wales Police via Live chat: https://www.south-wales.police.uk/, Report online or call 101.

In an emergency, always dial 999.

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.

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 such as LED or battery-operated

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 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/UKCA 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 and out of reach of children

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.

Help for heroes (veterans)

Coping strategies for veterans

Mental health experts recommend several techniques to manage anxiety around fireworks.

Plan ahead: If you know fireworks are likely, plan your evening. This might involve staying home or going somewhere quiet.

Use calming tools: Try ear defenders or noise-cancelling headphones to dampen loud noises. Using a soothing scent, like an essential oil, can help override potential triggers.

Practice breathing techniques: When you feel anxious or overwhelmed, focus on slow, deliberate breathing. Making your out-breaths longer than your in-breaths can help calm your nervous system.

Grounding techniques: Use your senses to stay in the present moment. For example, identify five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.

Limit triggers at home: If flashes of light are an issue, close blinds or use blackout curtains. Use a blanket to feel comforted.

Talk to someone: Having a support network of family or friends who understand your concerns can be a great help. If you need someone to talk to, contact Samaritans on 0116 123 or use their online, email or letter writing services. Alternatively, contact the NHS out of hours service on 111. If you are suicidal or at risk of harming others call 999

Advice for the public and event organisers

Mindful actions by the public can reduce the distress caused to veterans and others affected by fireworks.

Give warning: If you plan a private display, inform neighbours in advance so they have time to prepare or leave.

Attend public displays: Consider attending an organised display instead of setting off fireworks in your garden.

Use quiet fireworks: Consider using “silent” or low-noise fireworks.

Show compassion: Be mindful that not everyone enjoys fireworks, and be respectful of the decisions others make for their own well-being

Useful link: https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/about-us/news/follow-the-firework-heroes-code/

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.