Staffordshire County Council has warned people
to keep safe during Halloween and Bonfire Night.
The annual ‘Take Care and Be Aware’ campaign
aims to help younger people to stay safe and keep out of trouble during the
celebrations.
The initiative is run in association with the
Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Fire and
Rescue Service.
Robert Marshall, Cabinet member for public
health and community safety, said: “This time
of year can be great fun for many people, particularly our younger residents.
“However it can
also be quite frightening for people who are older or more vulnerable. In
addition, there are safety issues for people taking part in the festivities.
“We want people to
enjoy themselves at the same time as respecting others in their community.”
The Staffordshire
Fire and Rescue Service are encouraging people to attend organised bonfires.
Head of Risk
Reduction Glynn Luznyj said: “Bonfires can quite easily get out of control and
the more the fire service has to attend means a greater number of appliances
will be tied up and potentially unavailable for emergencies.
“The ‘Take Care and
Be Aware’ campaign is a timely reminder to help young people safe.”
The Stoke-on-Trent
City Council will be inspecting shops that are registered and licensed to store
fireworks to ensure that regulations are being met.
Staffordshire
Police Superintendent Dave Holdway said: "We're working with our partners
to reduce anti-social behaviour by encouraging families to enjoy themselves
safely and responsibly this Halloween and Bonfire Night.”
‘No Trick or Treat’
cards will be in windows to let people know they would not like to be disturbed
on Halloween.
Mr Holdway added:
“It's important that people consider how their actions could affect others.
We're particularly keen to ensure the elderly and those who live alone are not
distressed by trick or treaters.”
Operation Good Guy,
led by Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent’s Trading Standards teams and
Staffordshire Fire Rescue Service, will be offering advice to licensed shops
about the sale of fireworks to children under 18 and the illegal use of
fireworks.
Licensed shops will
have brightly coloured stickers or certificates in the windows.
Contact the
Firework Hotline for any questions about Bonfire Night and anti-social behavior
on 08454 02 03 04.
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