The North Vancouver City Fire Department has some tips and tricks to make sure October 31 is safe and fun for everyone.
Halloween Fire Hazards
- Halloween is one of the top five days for candle fires across Canada. Never leave candle decorations unattended and consider using battery-operated candles in Jack-o-lanterns.
- Place lit pumpkins well away from flammable items, trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways, and yards.
- Keep all decorations away from open flames and heat sources, including lightbulbs and heaters.
- Keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.
- Make sure you have working smoke alarms in your home, and that everyone knows how to evacuate in case of a fire.
Costume and Trick-or-Treating Tips
- Look for costumes and accessories labelled 'fire-resistant'.
- Avoid oversized or too-long costumes, which can make it hard to walk and may come in contact with open flames.
- Use non-toxic face paint or makeup rather than face masks.
- Costumes should be easily visible and reflective or include reflective tape, and trick-or-treaters should carry flashlights or glowsticks to increase visibility.
- Children 12 and under should go trick-or-treating with a responsible adult.
- Remind older children to stay together as a group when trick-or-treating.
- Stay in well-lit areas and only visit homes that have their outside lights on.
- Don’t eat any treats until they've been checked by an adult, especially if there are allergies.
Road Safety
Drivers
- Slow down and be alert in residential neighborhoods, as children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
- There will likely be more pedestrians than usual – watch for people coming out between parked cars or darting across the road.
- Popular times for trick or treating are between 5:30pm and 9pm, so avoid driving during this time if possible.
- Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween.
Pedestrians
- Review how to safely cross a street with your child.
- Keep your head up and put electronic devices down.
- Walk – don't run – across the street.
Fireworks
The City bans the sale, purchase, possession, or discharge of fireworks of any kind unless it's a public display by someone who has been certified as a Fireworks Supervisor, with a permit issued by the Fire Chief. See Fireworks Regulation Bylaw 7677 for details. Anyone in violation of the ban could face a fine up to $500, or up to $10,000 if convicted.
Compost Your Jack O’Lanterns
When Halloween is over, your pumpkin can find new life. Remove any candles or non-organic decorations, put it in your Green Can and it will be composted into new soil. Pumpkins aren’t garbage.