Extra patrols in Northants over Halloween and Bonfire Night

As part of Operation Pumpkin, there will be increased policing in different areas across the county to cover Halloween and Bonfire Night, to help deal with any anti-social behaviour and to support some of the public fireworks events.

Between November 2 and 8, from 5pm until midnight, there will be fire and police vehicle patrols in a number of regions in order to provide a joint response to any illegal fires that take place.

Police and fire crews have also been visiting youth clubs and schools to talk about anti-social behaviour and the potential hazards associated with Bonfire Night.

Kettering fire crews will also be providing fire safety advice during a daytime event on Halloween (October 31) at The Green Patch community garden in Kettering.

Rushden fire crews have also been visiting local retailers which sell fireworks, to give advice and provide safety leaflets, to be handed out when fireworks are purchased.

Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue will be among the partners taking part in a ‘day of action’ at the skate park in New Street, Daventry, between midday and 4pm, where they will be giving safety information and advice to tie in with Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Fire Service Group Manager Rob Porter said: “It has been important for us to provide a comprehensive level of advice and support to the public to help support the festivities taking place over the coming week, and to pass on vital safety advice.

“We would urge the public to take extra care on Halloween and Bonfire Night, by making sure costumes are flame resistant, by keeping children away from fires, flames and lanterns, and by taking note of firework legislation and safety advice regarding their use.

At Halloween:

Children should refrain from knocking on doors where a ‘no trick or treat’ sign has been posted.

Children should always go trick or treating with an adult.

Trick or treating routes should be planned beforehand, to only include houses where the residents are known.

Trick or treat groups should remain in areas that are well lit with streetlights.

Trick or treat visitors should not talk to strangers in the street and should not enter any house they visit, but should remain on the doorstep.

Although Halloween is supposed to be spooky, anyone taking part in a trick or treat should be careful not to frighten people.

All Halloween costumes, whether home-made or purchased, should be kept away from candles or other naked flames.

Avoid creating home-made lanterns using candles, hollowed pumpkins, plastic bottles or other containers as these can be hazardous.

There is always the risk of a candle setting light to other materials such as costumes, furniture or curtains.

Make sure any Halloween costumes worn are marked as flame resistant.

Do not use flammable materials to make home-made costumes.

Any candles used in the home should be extinguished completely at night and kept away from children.

Make sure children do not go trick or treating equipped with eggs and flour.

On Bonfire Night:

Fireworks cannot be purchased by anyone under the age of 18.

Anyone who lets fireworks off between 11pm and 7am is breaking the law, except on Bonfire Night when the time is extended to midnight.

Pets can be easily frightened by fireworks so they should be kept indoors on Bonfire Night.

Don’t drink alcohol when setting off fireworks.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on each firework. Read them by torchlight – never a naked flame.

Light fireworks at arm’s length, using a safety firework lighter or fuse wick.

Never go back to a firework once lit – it may go off in your face.

Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.

Keep a bucket of water handy.

Used fireworks should be collected after the display with care. Douse them with water, dispose of them properly in a metal container.

Wear a protective hat, gloves and eye protection, such as goggles.

Sparklers are often viewed as a less harmful firework, but experts say that they can get six times as hot as a pan of cooking oil.

They burn fiercely and are not suitable for children under the age of five.

If your clothing catches fire ‘Stop, Drop and Roll’.