The winter coats have been dusted off and pumpkin spiced things are everywhere to be seen, which means it’s almost time for Halloween and Bonfire Night!

We have put together some tips and advice on how to celebrate in the safest way possible.

Halloween – Thursday 31 October
If you’re planning to head out with the family for some trick or treating, stay safe by ensuring 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, 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 on 31 October at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/halloween.

Bonfire Night – Tuesday 5 November
Fireworks
You must be over 18 to buy fireworks.
For most of the year it is illegal to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am. This is extended to midnight on 5 November.
Only buy fireworks with the European safety standards CE mark.
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.
Carefully read instructions on each individual firework and make sure there’s plenty of space for the fireworks to be let off, directing away from people, trees and overhead cables. Light the firework at arm’s length and stand well back.
Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from 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.
Never let fireworks off around pets – read tips from the RSPCA on how to keep pets calm around Bonfire Night.
Bonfires
Personal bonfires and fireworks are prohibited in all Royal Greenwich parks and open spaces.
Build your bonfire clear of buildings, sheds, fences, hedges and check for any wildlife using a broom or pole.
Make sure that the fire is out, and surroundings are made safe before leaving.
Only burn dry grass, weeds, paper, or wood.
Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.

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.