How to be safe at Carnival
Notting Hill Carnival is a fantastic event. We want to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time.
Health and wellbeing
Do not attend Carnival if you are feeling unwell.
Check the weather forecast before coming. If it’s going to be hot, wear a hat, apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Wash and sanitise your hands as often as you can, to avoid picking up a stomach bug.
Look out for signs of yourself or others feeling unwell due to heat. Visit the NHS website to find out how to recognise heatstroke. Move to a cool place as soon as possible, slow down and drink water if you feel unwell. If you need medical help, go to one of the first aid centres.
Further advice
Safety tips
Getting to Carnival
Know how you are getting to and from Carnival, as many roads and tube stations will have closures or restrictions.
Security
Leave expensive jewellery, large amounts of cash, and other valuables at home if possible.
If you see anything suspicious or feel unsafe, speak to a police officer or steward.
Be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas.
Stay in contact
Charge your phone and consider bringing a portable charger.
Mobile signals can be patchy, so agree on a meeting point with friends or family in case you get separated.
Familiarise yourself with the carnival map and locate first aid points and police presence.
If you come across a lost person or lose a person yourself, contact a steward or police officer as soon as possible for help.
Eating and drinking
If you choose to drink alcohol, do so responsibly.
Don't accept drinks from strangers or drinks you haven't seen prepared.
Emergency services
Staff from the emergency services will be in the area during Carnival. First aid centres will also be open, together with medical response teams and ambulances.
Police
Contact:
- non-emergency call 101
- in an emergency call 999
Help someone in need: first steps
Advice from London Ambulance Service and St John's Ambulance
If the patient is mobile, direct or assist the patient to the nearest first aid centre.
If the patient cannot move, call for help. Police, medical or stewarding staff nearby can help more quickly than phoning for assistance. If you cannot see police, stewards or medical staff immediately, dial 999 and give the following information:
- if the patient is conscious/breathing and a description of what is wrong
- any signs of major external bleeding or difficulty breathing
- age, gender and number of patients
- the exact location of the emergency: look for house numbers, street names, landmarks, shops or the nearest junction. If you use ‘What3Words’, you can give your specific location to emergency services
Stay with the patient until medical assistance arrives and be prepared to signal to medical staff arriving at your location.
Youth safe zone
A dedicated space in Athlone Gardens for under-19s who need support during the Carnival weekend. Young people can drop in if they:
- are lost and need to be reunited with friends or family
- require travel advice to get home safely
- feel vulnerable or unwell
- need to report a crime
Drone flying
Anyone flying a drone will be committing an offence. It is likely the drone will be seized and the operator could be liable to prosecution
Fire precautions
Advice from London Fire Brigade
Barbecues
If you are planning a barbecue, check your property owner's and landlord's rules as appropriate. Barbecues are prohibited in public places including parks.
Barbecue safety
When barbecuing:
- never use disposable barbecues indoors, on balconies or dry grass, a common cause of fire-spread, especially during the summer
- keep the barbecue outside, away from buildings, fences, sheds, furniture and trees
- ensure the barbecue is on a flat surface on level ground so it does not tip over
- never leave the BBQ unattended
- avoid drinking alcohol if you are in charge of the barbecue
- make sure children, pets and garden games are kept at a safe distance
- use approved firelighters to ignite it, never use accelerants like petrol or paraffin
- after cooking, let the barbecue cool and make sure it is properly out. Smouldering ashes can give off dangerous carbon monoxide fumes and can be fatal
Fire safety
If a fire breaks out:
- know the escape plan for your property, how and when to escape
- warn other people, get out and stay out
- call the Fire Brigade, dial 999
Home fire safety visits
London Fire Brigade carries out home fire safety visits. Find out how to arrange one.