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Dear Resident, As the evenings grow darker, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and North Yorkshire Police are working with families, schools and communities to help everyone enjoy the autumn and winter months safely. Most young people enjoy this time of year responsibly and make a positive contribution to their communities. However, the darker evenings and seasonal events can bring additional risks, including incidents involving fireworks, fires, road safety, antisocial behaviour and accidental injuries. By working together, we can help ensure that young people have the information, support and opportunities they need to stay safe, look out for one another and enjoy the season. Staying Safe During Darker Evenings Fireworks and Bonfires An organised display is the safest way to enjoy fireworks. If fireworks are used at home, they should be handled safely and responsibly by an adult. Young people should not carry, throw, alter or misuse fireworks, or return to a firework that has failed to go off. They should move away from anyone using fireworks irresponsibly and seek help from a trusted adult. Bonfires should be carefully planned, supervised and located away from buildings, trees and other fire hazards. Young people should not build, enter or add materials to an unauthorised bonfire. Petrol, aerosols and other accelerants should never be used on a bonfire, and tyres, batteries, plastics and pressurised containers should not be burned. Fire Safety Young people should never start a fire or set light to bins, rubbish, grass, woodland, play equipment or abandoned materials. Even a small fire can spread quickly and cause serious harm to people, animals, property and the environment. If others are taking risks, young people should move away. They should not hold fireworks, lighters or fuel for someone else, or encourage unsafe behaviour by filming or sharing it online. In an emergency, move to a place of safety and call 999. Non-emergency concerns can be shared with a parent, carer, teacher, school safeguarding lead or another trusted adult. Information about deliberate fire-setting can also be reported anonymously through FireStoppers. Road Safety Dark evenings can make it harder for road users to see one another. Bright or reflective clothing and working front and rear cycle lights can help improve visibility. When near roads, young people are encouraged to put phones away, reduce headphone volume, use a crossing where possible and take extra care around junctions and parked vehicles. E-bikes and e-scooters should be used responsibly. Damaged batteries or chargers should not be used, the correct charger should always be used, and escape routes such as hallways and doorways should be kept clear while charging. Looking Out for One Another Looking out for friends, neighbours and other members of the community, and showing respect for local places and businesses, helps keep everyone safe. Young people should not feel pressured to take part in activities that make them uncomfortable or put anyone at risk. If something does not feel right, they should trust their instincts, leave the situation and seek support. When going out, young people are encouraged to tell a parent or carer where they are going, who they are with and when they expect to return; use well-lit routes; stay with friends; keep their phone charged; and plan a safe journey home. By working together, we can help ensure that young people enjoy the season safely while continuing to make a positive contribution to communities across North Yorkshire and York. Thank you for your continued support. Kind regards, North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service North Yorkshire Police Did you know? You can use the links/icons at the bottom of this screen to: · Reply to any messages we send to you · Rate our messages (We like this as it helps us to know if we're sending relevant information to you) · Share the message on social media · Change your settings and select the messages you want to receive Regards York West (NPT) | 
