With Halloween and Bonfire Night approaching, we have put together some tips and advice on how to celebrate safely.
Halloween – Friday 31 October
If you're planning to head out with the family for some trick or treating this Halloween, make sure all children are always supervised by an adult.
Remember that not everyone celebrates Halloween or likes people knocking on their doors at night. If you see a 'no trick or treat' poster or if nobody answers the door, please respect other residents by being considerate and leaving. Only knock on a door if there are Halloween decorations visible (for example a pumpkin outside).
You can let people know whether you want trick or treaters by downloading a Halloween poster to display in your window.
Bonfire Night – Wednesday 5 November
The safest and most responsible way to enjoy fireworks is by going to an organised and professional display. If you can't go to a professional display, please remember:
- It is illegal to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am - this curfew is extended to midnight on 5 November.
- You must be over 18 to buy fireworks.
- Only buy fireworks with the CE mark, keep them in a closed, dry box and use them one at a time.
- Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back, never throw them!
- Carefully read instructions on each individual firework and make sure there’s plenty of space and clear sky for the fireworks to be let off, directing away from people, trees and overhead cables.
- Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
- Never set off fireworks near animals and take steps to keep your pets calm and safe during fireworks.
- Never go back to a lit firework or try to re-light it, once the fireworks have been used, put them into a tub of water, and dispose of them in a bin the next day.
- Always supervise children around sparklers, making sure they keep them at arm's length and have a bucket of water or sand to drop the sparkler in once it has extinguished itself.
- Let your neighbours know if you are planning to have a bonfire or use fireworks in your garden.
- Fireworks for private use can only be purchased from licensed retailers during selected dates throughout the year. If you suspect the illegal sale of fireworks in the borough, you can report this to tradingstandards@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.
Bonfires
- Personal bonfires and fireworks are not allowed in any Royal Greenwich parks, open spaces and housing estates.
- Build your bonfire well away from buildings, sheds, fences, hedges and check for any wildlife by using a broom or pole.
- Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.
- Make sure that the fire is out, and surroundings are made safe before leaving.
- Only burn dry grass, weeds, paper, or wood.
If you are ever out and feel threatened, in danger or harassed on the street, are unwell or just in need of some help, you can visit one of our Safehaven Superhubs where trained staff will be able to help you.
There are currently five Safehaven Superhubs in our borough: Yorkshire Grey McDonald's in Middlepark, Powis Street McDonald's in Woolwich, Eltham McDonald's on Eltham High Street, Cutty Sark McDonald's in Greenwich and Thamesmead McDonald's.