Let's Not Have Any Frights This Halloween and Bonfire Night

With Halloween and Bonfire Night approaching, community safety partners are reminding everyone to stay safe.

Kent County Council is reminding people that if you’re meeting friends and family this Halloween, protect your little ‘ghouls and boys’ by remembering it's safer to meet outside, and washing your hands regularly.  Please remember that Covid and winter bugs are circulating. For the latest information on staying safe, and preventing the spread of Covid, please the latest Government guidance.

Kent Police stresses that not everyone enjoys or wants to take part in Halloween. If you or someone you know would rather not have trick or treaters call at their home, you can download a 'no trick or treat' sign for their front door or window. For more information and helpful advice to help you stay safe, please see the Kent Police website.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service is also reminding people to put safety first, and to please think twice about lighting your own fireworks or bonfires at home.  It's much safer to attend a professional display. If you do insist on having fireworks though, remember to keep them well away from trees and property, and stay well back. For more details, please see the Kent Fire website.

If you are planning on having a firework display, you can help to avoid an emergency by following the firework code: 

• Stand well back
• Keep pets indoors
• Keep fireworks in a closed box
• Only buy fireworks that are CE marked
• Light at arm's length, using a taper
• Follow the instructions on each firework
• Never give sparklers to a child under five
• Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
• Always supervise children around fireworks
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
• Never go near a firework that has been lit - even if it hasn't gone off it could still explode.

For more information on fireworks safety, please see https://www.rospa.com/home-safety/advice/fireworks-safety