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Look around and you will see colour all over - the trees having started turning their autumnal golden glow and the nights are drawing in. It can only mean that Halloween and Bonfire Night are right around the corner!
Halloween
Halloween is an exciting time of year for many but it can be difficult for those who struggle with unexpected changes or who have sensitivities to noise, touch and light.
The unfamiliar treats and sweets, scratchy costumes and unpredictable nature of the day can trigger a lot of anxiety and leave people feeling completely overwhelmed. The National Autistic Society has compiled Halloween tips and tricks to help make the day not too scary, ensuring everyone can have a 'wickedly' good time this Halloween.
Don't forget your costume! Who doesn't love a chance to dress up ... while for many it's all good fun, remember to take extra care as many costumes can become caught easily or are highly flammable. The Child Accident Prevention Trust has shared Halloween safety advice to ensure your Halloween is spooky for all the right reasons.
A few other points to keep in mind:
- Consider using LED battery-operated candles instead. These are generally much safer than regular wax candles, will not catch fire due to lack of a flame, and don’t blow out. They can be cheaper than wax candles too but still make for great Halloween decorations.
- Think about where you put your Halloween decorations. Make sure they are placed away from naked flames (such as a wax candle) or heat sources (like your radiator). Please also ensure they are not blocking any escape routes, like front and back doors. Also, please ensure decorations do not prevent fire doors from opening or closing by keeping them clear of decorations.
- Take care when lighting Halloween pumpkins. Use a LED battery-powered tealight instead or ensure any loose clothing you’re wearing is a safe distance away from the pumpkin, especially when you are moving these around your home.
Bonfire Night
While many enjoy Bonfire Night and are eagerly looking forward to the weekend, it can be distressing for some who find fireworks overwhelming. For those who may struggle with the sights and sounds of Bonfire Night, the National Autistic Society has created a list of tips on how to help you enjoy your evening, while staying safe.
The safest way to enjoy the evening is to attend an organised event - you can find a list of local and national organised events on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) website.
With Bonfire Night less than two weeks away, please take time to review the SFRS firework/bonfire safety guidance and the fireworks code, all available on their website.
Let's all have an safe and enjoyable Bonfire Night.
