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Fire service has tips to keep you safe this Halloween and Bonfire Night

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MAWWFRS is working in partnership with Dyfed Powys Police, South Wales Police, Local Authorities, and other partner agencies to create a safer environment for everyone during Halloween and Bonfire night, allowing communities to celebrate responsibly and safely. We have some vital safety advice for those that who wish to celebrate.

Halloween safety
For many, especially children and young people, Halloween is an opportunity to wear fancy dress costumes, carve pumpkins, tell scary stories and of course, the annual knocking on doors of people that they know for “treats”, but this celebration can present with potential fire risks.We have highlighted some of the potential dangers and what can be done to reduce the risks, to ensure the community enjoys a safe Halloween.

Do you have a clear escape route in case of a fire?

  • Keep exits clear and unobstructed, which is a particular issue during Halloween where items are placed around the house and near to exit points for decoration purposes.Have you considered the dangers associated with fire and Halloween costumes?
  • It’s vitally important that costumes carry the ‘CE’ mark on the label. Even so, like all clothing, costumes can easily catch fire.Are your candles putting you at risk?
  • Consider candle alternatives, such as flameless battery-operated LED candles that will provide the desired spooky effect. Whilst providing added benefits such as being able to use them outside without being blown out in the wind.

Steven Davies, Head of Community Safety for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue said: “Over the Halloween period the risks associated with fire are heightened. With the use of naked flames in pumpkins, along with the use of costumes that are potentially non-complaint with fire safety regulations, it could be a recipe for disaster. If you are planning on wearing fancy dress this Halloween, please ensure your costume has the ‘CE’ mark. Simple actions can drastically improve the chances of having a safe and happy Halloween, such as using LED candles in your pumpkins and keeping exits clear from Halloween decorations.”

Bonfire Night safety

Bonfire night traditionally has a heavy impact on MAWWFRS and partner agencies. As a result, the Service advises everyone to respect their communities, protect themselves, others, the environment, and emergency services from harm, and enjoy events by following basic safety precautions.Every year, MAWWFRS witness dangerous bonfires being built. These bonfires may include items which are toxic or other items which present a danger to spectators, whether it be risk of explosion or other circumstances. Not only do these bonfires pose a danger to the public, but the environment can be badly affected by poorly built bonfires. Our arson reduction and community safety members will be working with police and local authority colleagues to ensure that communities are kept safe. 

Arson Reduction Manager Scott O’Kelly said: “This time of year can bring fun and entertainment for all the family. It does however have some serious dangers associated with bonfires and the use of fireworks. Traditionally, problems occur with the use of fireworks, especially when they get into the wrong hands. There are simple things that can be done to ensure spectators, and the surrounding environment is kept unharmed and undamaged during bonfire night. Many dangers can be reduced by attending an official organised firework display.  To stay safe and legal this bonfire night, please follow the information provided on our website”.

Fireworks are graded within categories, with differing minimum safety distances, and have specific instructions that should be adhered to in order to ensure that everyone is kept safe.

  • Always buy from a reputable retailer and follow individual firework instructions.
  • Be sure to store fireworks as per the instructions listed, fireworks should be stored in their original packaging in a dry place away from sources of heat or ignition
  • Always store fireworks away from children.MAWWFRS are encouraging the public to celebrate both evenings in the safest way possible. For information on educational material for children regarding staying safe this Halloween and Bonfire night, please visit StayWiseCymru.

The following lesson plans on Halloween / Bonfire safety are also available:

Halloween Safety Lesson Plan | StayWise Cymru
Sbarc’s Staying Safe on Bonfire Night Lesson Plan | StayWise Cymru
Sbarc Staying Safe on Bonfire Night Foundation Phase Lesson Plan | StayWise Cymru
Sbarc Staying Safe on Bonfire Night (ALN) Lesson Plan | StayWise Cymru

Please visit our website for further information on staying safe during the Halloween and Bonfire night period.You can also follow us on our Social Media channels for more #OpBang safety messages:X – @mawwfire
Facebook – @mawwfire
Instagram – mawwfire_rescue

Community

Older people ‘left out in the cold’ by UK Budget cuts, says Age UK Cymru

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FOLLOWING Wednesday’s Budget, elderly people across Wales are bracing for tougher times as Age UK Cymru warns of severe impacts from the removal of the Winter Fuel Payment for thousands of vulnerable individuals.

The charity expressed strong disappointment with the Chancellor’s announcements, stating the Budget failed to provide adequate support against soaring energy costs, which are already unaffordable for many older people on low incomes.

In a statement, Age UK Cymru cautioned that these cuts could leave numerous elderly individuals unable to afford necessary heating through the winter. A spokesperson for the charity said: “We’re hugely disappointed by the Chancellor’s lack of mitigating measures or financial support for the thousands of older people in Wales who will no longer receive the Winter Fuel Payment.”

The Winter Fuel Payment, a long-standing benefit helping older people manage heating expenses during the coldest months, has been either reduced or removed for many, leaving a significant gap in financial support.

Age UK Cymru is urging both the UK and Welsh governments to broaden eligibility for winter assistance, proposing that benefits recipients, including those on Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, and Carer’s Allowance, should qualify for Winter Fuel Payments.

While the charity presses for expanded eligibility, they also recognize that current criteria still risk leaving some of the most vulnerable without help. To address this, Age UK Cymru suggests the UK Government adopt data-matching techniques to more accurately identify and automatically extend Winter Fuel Payments to low-income individuals in need.

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales

Responding to the Budget, Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said: “A number of announcements in today’s budget are to be welcomed, including increased investment in public services, and additional funding for the Welsh Government.

“However, it is disappointing that despite using the budget to raise an estimated £40bn, the Chancellor has decided not to reverse her decision to means test the Winter Fuel Payment, and did not announce any specific support to mitigate its impact.

“This decision will result in hundreds of thousands of older people missing out on crucial financial support, and many older people have told me they are hugely worried about the effect this will have on their health and well-being.

“In my view, the Chancellor has missed an opportunity to demonstrate she has listened to the concerns raised by older people and stakeholders, and, more importantly, to take action to ensure people do not miss out on the support they need.”

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Community

Grab a glass to deal with spiders says British Pest Control Association

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ARACHNOPHOBIC residents in Pembrokeshire can call a pest professional for help, says national trade body British Pest Control Association (BPCA), but spiders are best left alone, or removed to a sheltered spot if needed.

Experts at BPCA say spiders might sneak indoors as the weather turns colder, and while trapping and releasing them in a suitable shed or outhouse is the quickest way to tackle the problem, they will disappear in a few months if left alone.

However, BPCA members are on hand for anyone who has a severe phobia, or who believes they may have an allergic reaction to a spider bite from species such as the False Widow Spider.

Natalie Bungay is Technical Manager at BPCA. She said: “Native spiders are not considered dangerous or a threat to health, but pest professionals are on hand to help anyone who suffers from arachnophobia if spiders are becoming a nuisance.

“Calls for False Widow Spiders tend to peak in October as numbers increase during the winter months and then they become more conspicuous as the males wander in search of a mate.

“False Widow Spiders are venomous but not aggressive – bites generally seem to occur through accidental contact. They can be very painful but are no more dangerous than a wasp sting.”

For most spiders, trapping them under a glass, sliding a stiff piece of paper underneath and releasing them in a garage or shed is all that is required.

Natalie added: “Spiders have an important role to play in our natural eco-systems, so releasing them in a sheltered place where they won’t succumb to the cold is generally the best alternative if you can’t quite cope with them inside the house.

“However, if spiders are becoming a nuisance, you have a phobia, or believe you are likely to have a severe reaction to a spider bite, we’d recommend you seek advice from a pest professional.

“A BPCA member will have the knowledge required to ensure the infestation is contained as much as possible and have access to a range of specialist products that are not available to the public.”

BPCA members are trained, experienced professionals who are regularly assessed to the British Standard in Pest Management BS EN 16636 and endorsed by the Government via the TrustMark quality scheme.

To find a professional pest controller visit bpca.org.uk/find

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Community

Milford Haven Business Circle to host Halloween medium and music evening

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WHY not join the Milford Haven Business Circle for a thrilling Halloween evening of mediumship and live music at Milford Haven RFC on Thursday, October 31.

Doors open at 6:30pm, with tickets available online, at Cast n Craft Fishing for Health on Charles Street, or at the door for £5 per person.

The evening features an engaging performance by renowned medium Nathan Roberts, followed by a dynamic musical set from Chris Didcote. All proceeds will support Prostate Cymru and the local Community Access Defibrillator Fund.

This cause holds special significance following an incident on Friday, October 11, when two MHBC members were dispatched to a cardiac arrest within Milford Haven via the GoodSAM app.

Thanks to prior fundraising efforts, these members provided immediate pre-hospital care to the patient using one of the community’s defibrillators until ambulance services arrived.

The event highlights the ongoing need for accessible defibrillators, underscoring the life-saving difference they make in emergencies.

Enjoy an evening of entertainment and community spirit while supporting a vital cause.

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