Keep safe this Halloween and Bonfire Night

Halloween and Bonfire Night will be quite different again for everyone this year with the public advised to be continually vigilant regarding the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

If you are planning on trick or treating for Halloween, remember to follow coronavirus safety advice and to follow social distancing rules, including always keeping your hands clean using sanitiser.

Surrey Police suggests no 'cold-calling' on October 31 but to instead decide which houses to visit by checking in with people first. See Surrey Police website for more information. While we know some people see Halloween as an opportunity to have fun and enjoy themselves, please remember it can be a frightening time for others, especially those who are vulnerable. If you are celebrating Halloween indoors make sure areas are well ventilated.

If attending public firework displays, please remember to keep COVID-19 aware, ensuring you arrive in plenty of time, take a rapid Covid test the day before the event, stay at home if you have any symptoms and wear a face covering if in close proximity with people you don’t normally meet with.

If you are planning a fireworks night at home, look after your family and loved ones (including pets - fireworks can be scary) by following government guidelines on social distancing but also our tips below:

• Please be mindful of your neighbours - especially those who may be vulnerable to loud noises or flashes - and set off fireworks earlier rather than later (remember that legally you can’t set off fireworks after midnight  on Bonfire night and 11pm at all other times).
• If you are going to use your own fireworks, buy from a legitimate retailer (and remember, you must be over 18 to buy or keep fireworks).
• Make sure you read and follow the instructions on each firework carefully, light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back – never return to a firework once it has been lit.
• If building a bonfire, choose a site away from wooden fences, sheds or where children are playing.
• Never pour petrol, paraffin or meths on to a bonfire.
• Make sure to keep a safe distance from any bonfire or fireworks.
• If you are using sparklers, make sure they are held at arm’s length while being lit and wear gloves.
• If you have pets, close windows and curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks and/or put on some music or TV to mask the firework sounds. Be considerate of any horses or livestock that might live close by.
• Remember to make sure any bonfire is completely out by pouring water on the fire rather than leaving it to burn and clear up any debris afterwards as this can be harmful to local wildlife and pets.
• Last but not least, if you can,  purchase low noise fireworks to reduce the impact on your neighbours and pets.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has more tips on keeping safe this Fireworks Night. 

Plus take a look at the below links for more advice on how to keep your pets safe during celebrations.

• The RSPCA
• PDSA
• British hedgehog preservation society

For information on public displays in Surrey visit https://www.visitsurrey.com/whats-on/surrey-bonfire-and-fireworks-displays