Bonfire and Halloween Community Safety information

Resident

Please consider the following information in relation to the Halloween and Bonfire period, to ensure that everyone remains safe and makes the most the planned activities or events around the town and surrounding area. 

DO’S

• Remember road safety and wear bright clothing while trick or treating 

• Keep Halloween ‘tricks’ safe 

• Be considerate to others 

• Go to an organised fireworks display - it’s the safest way to enjoy them

• Consider impact of Halloween actives and fireworks to pets and animals 

• Respect signs that say “No Trick or Treating here” or similar 

DON’T

• Go trick or treating alone; always take an adult with you

• Cause damage to people’s homes or property

• Handle fireworks if you’re under 18 

• Knock on stranger’s doors 

• Scare or hurt others 

• Let off fireworks between 11pm and 7am or in a public place 

Bonfire Night Information 

• Keep fireworks in a closed metal box and take them out one at a time. 

• Follow the manufacturers instructions on each firework. Read them by torch light, not a naked flame, always buy fireworks from a reputable source. 

• Light fireworks at arms length using a safety firework lighter or fuse wick - then stand back. 

• Never go back to a firework once lit, it may still go off. 

• Collect used fireworks with care, douse with water and bury them or place in a metal container. 

• Keep children away from fireworks and bonfires. 

• Keep pets indoors. 

• Take care with sparklers - young children should not handle these 

• NEVER throw fireworks 

• NEVER keep fireworks in your pocket 

• Keep a bucket of water handy

If you must light a bonfire, follow these safety tips: 

• Site the bonfire well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees, shrubs and well away from your fireworks. 

• Before lighting, make sure there are no animals hiding inside. 

• Be careful when building the bonfire so it does not collapse once lit. 

• Don’t burn foam filled furniture, aerosols, tins of paint, or bottles. 

• Never use flammable liquids such as paraffin or petrol to light the fire. 

• Keep children and pets away from the fire. 

• In case of emergency, keep buckets of water, a garden hose or fire extinguisher ready. 

• When the party is over, pour water on the embers before leaving.