Streetwise: Top tips for Fireworks night

Remember, the 5th of November. Guy Fawkes, tomato soup, ear muffs; the quintessential ingredients for any fireworks display.

With all the enjoyment the 5th of November brings, comes the responsibility of ensuring the safety of all in attendance.

To make sure you are not one of the 1,000 unnecessary injuries which occur each year, there are simple steps to take;

• Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114
• Keep fireworks in a closed box
• Stand spectators well away from the fireworks
• Read the instructions for each firework
• Light the firework at arms length using a taper
• Never go back to a lit firework
• Never put fireworks in pockets
• Never throw a firework
• Wear gloves when handling sparklers
• Never give sparklers to under 5’s

Make sure the British weather is the only thing to spoil your 5th of November!

For more information log onto www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/fireworks.php

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Do you feel comfortable when you are out and about?

Hmm...do you prefer to walk in the street with other people for safety reasons?

What would you do if you suddenly found yourself in a dangerous situation????

Have no fear! Most violent crimes get a lot of media attention but in fact they do not happen that often, and crimes involving people that we don't know happen less often!

What Can We Do to Prevent Becoming a VICTIM of Crime?

Prepare
Look confident
Avoid risk
Never assume it won’t happen to you

Keeping Safe on Shabbat

We don't usually carry our mobile phones on shabbat so how can we make sure we are safe when we are out?

• Ensure that when you walk to and from shul you are still aware of what is going on around you. Learn to trust your instincts, if you feel unsafe or vulnerable, go into the nearest shop and wait or if you know people who live on the way to where you are going, you can pop into their house if you do not feel comfortable.
• Try to walk with a member of your family, so you are not walking alone in the streets. If someone can meet you halfway that is better than walking on your own the whole way! 
• Make sure that if you are going to a friend's house after shul, your parents know where you will be and if you want them to pick you up in the car after shabbat.
• Remember don't take shortcuts through alleyways or parks, stay on the streets where there are people around and you are not alone.

Going Out with Friends

If you are planning on going out with your friends, make sure that you stay with them and do not wander off on your own. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in situations we don't want to be in.

Tips on Keeping Safe When Out With Your Friends:

Organise transport home before you go out and. if your plans change, work out a new way to get home safely.
Put money aside for the journey home – don’t spend it on something else. If you have to use a cash machine get a friend to stand beside you. Be aware of people around you.
If you know you will be home later than you planned, let someone know.
When you’re out take care. Always watch your drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) while it is being poured. Never accept a drink from a stranger, if you haven’t seen it being poured as you never know what they could put into it.
If you feel pressured into drinking more than you want, taking drugs or having sex – stop and think. What are you comfortable with? Will you be putting your personal safety at risk? Don’t be afraid to say, ‘No.’
Remember that alcohol and drugs alter your perceptions and you may not be as in control as you feel.

Take Action

There are lots of things that we can do in order to stay out of danger and  make ourselves feel safe when we are out & about!

BUT... WHAT ARE THEY?

• Move away from the situation towards a public place as quickly as possible, eg. a shop, garage or cafe.
• Make as much noise as you can, your voice can be your best defence.
• Shout a specific instruction like ‘Call the police’.
• Consider carrying a personal shriek alarm. Know how to use it to shock and scare off your attacker, gives you time to quickly get away.
• Try not to panic. Remember, if you stay in control, you are more likely to stay safe.
• Don’t try to fight back, hand over your wallet or mobile if the attacker wants your stuff...it is important not to be a hero!
• Call 999 (it’s free) and ask for the police. Give them the information they ask for and stay on the line. You can always use a pay phone if a mobile phone is not available.

Trust your instincts. Keep your valuables hidden. Walk away from danger. Be responsible!