This Halloween and Bonfire Night, RCT Council is urging all residents to stay safe and be considerate to others while having fun.
Remember, Remember, the Fifth of November, and those individuals who constantly live with PTSD. Many people in our communities need extra support at this time of year, and animals need extra love and attention.
While many of us look forward to these occasions, others are filled with anxiety in the lead-up to October 31 and November 5. This includes many of our veterans who live daily with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Councillor Maureen Webber, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Deputy Leader and Armed Forces Champion, said: “Halloween and Bonfire Night are two events in the calendar that many people look forward to and enjoy each year. But at the same time, these are two events many people dread and struggle to cope with.
“We want to work with our communities and South Wales Police again this year through the annual Operation Bang campaign. Ensuring those who enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night can do so safely.
“But we urge our residents to be considerate to others at this time of year. Door-knocking, fireworks going off, intense lights and sudden loud noises can cause significant personal trauma to some people.
“Please be mindful of your neighbours and spare a thought for the animals and pets in our locality. It can be a very stressful time for them, and they could become confused and disoriented by the loud noises and flashes of light around them.”
The safest way to enjoy Bonfire Night is to attend an organised event locally. Bonfires and fireworks in gardens are a huge risk to people and their properties.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council works very closely with its Armed Forces community and South Wales Police all year round and is once again supporting the Operation Bang 2022 campaign.
Please remember that Bonfire Night is not fun for everyone. It is also an extremely busy time for our Emergency Services. Fireworks and bonfires can be fun but also extremely dangerous if not managed and handled correctly. Please do not put your loved ones or the local community at risk.
Fires can spread and become out of control in a matter of seconds, risking damage to property, injury and even death. Firework and bonfire-related incidents can also cost lifesaving minutes for our firefighters to get to other emergencies.
Also, spare a thought for all animals and household pets at this time of year. Animals can become extremely distressed and easily frightened by loud noises and sudden flashes of bright light. A pet’s distress may present itself in various ways, such as shivering, restlessness and chewing. Vomiting and hiding are common reactions.
Horses and farm animals can be easily startled. This can cause them to injure themselves on fencing, equipment or, in the case of stabled or housed animals, on fixtures and fittings within their enclosures.
