Calgary, AB,
24
October
2017
|
10:03
America/Denver

Calgary Halloween Partners for Safety will be patrolling streets on the evening of October 31

For the 23rd year, the Calgary Halloween Partners for Safety will be patrolling Calgary streets on the evening of October 31 to give trick-or-treaters easy access to help. More than 800 vehicles will patrol Calgary streets between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., making sure this will be a safe Halloween.

With a proactive approach to Halloween safety, Calgary Halloween Partners for Safety have two objectives:

  • To provide Halloween safety information to parents and children.
  • To patrol communities on Halloween night.

The Calgary Partners for Safety is coordinated by Calgary’s Child Magazine and includes AHS Emergency Medical Services and The City of Calgary.

Between calls, Calgary Police Service and Emergency Medical Services will have units patrolling residential neighborhoods. This will provide high visibility for children who are trick-or-treating. The Calgary Fire Department will also have vehicles on patrol and fire stations will be open to provide a safe place for children.

Calgary Transit buses and C-Trains are in the community providing transit service from early morning until late at night. If young trick-or-treaters need assistance, they can approach any transit vehicle they spot. Each vehicle has a radio, so in an emergency, the bus or C-Train operator can contact the appropriate emergency personnel. Calgary Community Standards, including Bylaw Operations, will have Community Peace Officers patrolling communities in emergency vehicles. Calgary 9-1-1 will be taking calls from all of the Partners for Safety as well citizens of Calgary.

Costume safety

  • Costumes should be bright and reflective. You can attach reflective tape for visibility.
  • Make sure any masks do not limit vision. Better yet, use make up instead of a mask.
  • Outfits should not drag on the ground and shoes should fit, even if they don’t go with the costume.
  • Accessories such as knives and swords should be made from soft, flexible materials that don’t look real and won’t cause injuries.
  • Ensure costumes are warm enough to be worn outside in temperatures as low as -10C.

Trick-or-treating tips for kids

  • Tell your parents which area you will visit and when you will be back.
  • Stay out of houses and cars unless your parents permit it.
  • Don’t approach houses that are unlit and undecorated.
  • Always trick-or-treat in a group or with a parent.
  • Visit houses down one side of the street before crossing to the other.
  • Cross only at intersections and be sure to look both ways before crossing the street.
  • Avoid short cuts through alleys, lanes or private property.
  • Wear bright, reflective clothing.
  • Use makeup instead of masks. Masks can limit your vision.
  • Carry a flashlight.
  • Have your parents check your treats before you eat them.

Tips for grown-ups

  • Turn on your outdoor lights and keep your yard clear of debris or other obstacles that children could trip over.
  • Keep lit candles away from trick-or-treaters and their costumes.
  • Keep pets inside and away from trick-or-treaters and lit candles. They may become frightened or over-excited in the presence of strangers.
  • Hand out only factory-wrapped food items. Home-made or baked treats will almost certainly be thrown out.
  • Be extra cautious when driving on Halloween night by reducing your speed to 20 km/h in residential areas.
  • It is important that you know your location at all times. If you need to call 9-1-1 on your cell, emergency communications officers won’t be able to pinpoint your exact location. Take notice of street signs and other landmarks so emergency responders can find you.

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