Partners for Safety ensures Calgary’s little ghouls and goblins stay safe this Halloween

Halloween should be fun, not scary! For 30 years, Partners for Safety has been dedicated to keeping Calgary’s young trick-or-treaters safe, and this year is no different. On Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m., hundreds of vehicles will be out on Calgary’s streets, providing high-visibility support to families enjoying Halloween.

The Partners for Safety program’s goals are to provide Halloween safety information to parents and children; and to patrol communities and provide a visible presence on Halloween night.

Co-ordinated by Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Partners for Safety include the Calgary Police Service, Alberta Health Services Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Calgary Fire Department, Calgary Transit, Calgary 9-1-1 and Calgary Bylaw. Any child experiencing a problem on Halloween can go to any one of these partners for help.

During regular operations, the Calgary Police Service and Alberta Health Services EMS will have units patrolling residential neighbourhoods. The Calgary Fire Department will also have vehicles on patrol, and community fire stations will be open in between emergency responses as a safe place for trick-or-treaters to ask for help if they need it.

Calgary Transit buses and CTrains are in the community day and night providing essential transit services. On Halloween, if trick-or-treaters need help, they can approach any transit vehicle they spot. Bus and CTrain operators have radios and can contact the appropriate emergency personnel if needed.

Important health and safety tips:

Keep pets contained and away from the front entrance; consider distributing treats outside.
Use LED candles or lighting instead of real candles to create a spooky ambience.
Ensure sidewalks, front porches, and steps are well-lit and free of obstacles.
Parents or guardians should inspect all candy before it is consumed.
Consider handing out treats at sidewalk level if you have multiple stairs or a steep incline.

Halloween tips for kids:

Inform your parent(s) or guardian(s) of your route, companions, and return time.
Carry a cellphone in case plans change.
Follow pedestrian rules: look both ways, walk instead of running, and cross streets at intersections.
Complete trick-or-treating on one side of the street before crossing to the other.
Wear bright, reflective clothing to enhance visibility to drivers.
Avoid shortcuts through alleys, lanes, or private properties.
Stay in well-lit, busy areas and carry a flashlight.
Never enter a house or car while trick-or-treating.
Trust your instincts; if something feels off, walk away and contact a parent or trusted adult, or approach a Partners for Safety vehicle.

Before you wear your costume:

Test the full costume at home to ensure comfort and fit, making any necessary adjustments.
Avoid very dark costumes; opt for bright colours and add reflective tape for visibility.
Choose flame-resistant materials for costumes and accessories.
Ensure costume accessories are soft, flexible, and free of sharp edges.
Dress in layers to accommodate colder weather and ensure costumes are not too long to prevent tripping.
Opt for comfortable masks or use makeup to avoid visibility issues.

For more Halloween safety tips and fun ideas, visit calgaryschild.com or calgary.ca/halloweensafety.