Partners for Safety will help keep Calgary’s little ghouls and goblins safe this Halloween

Halloween should be spooky - not scary! The Calgary Partners for Safety have been patrolling the streets on Halloween night for over 25 years to keep young Calgarians safe while they trick-or-treat, and this year is no exception. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, officers in more than 600 vehicles will be on Calgary’s streets providing high-visibility assistance to families who decide to trick-or-treat this year.

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.

Coordinated by Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Partners for Safety include the Calgary Police Service, Emergency Medical Services, Calgary Fire Department, Calgary Transit, Calgary Community Standards (Bylaw and 9-1-1), Calgary Emergency Management Agency, and Global Calgary. Any child or family experiencing a problem on Halloween can go to any one of these partners for help.

Between regular emergency calls, the Calgary Police Service and Emergency Medical Services will have units patrolling residential neighborhoods. 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, trick-or-treaters needing help can approach any transit vehicle they spot. Bus and CTrain operators have radios and can contact the appropriate emergency personnel as needed.

New this year due to COVID-19:

Trick-or-treating tips for kids:

• Keep your non-medical face covering on while trick-or-treating; bring sanitizer and make sure to use it frequently.
• Stay at least two metres away from people not in your cohort.
• Consider a costume that can incorporate your face covering easily.

Tips for handing out candy:

• Wear a non-medical face covering and use tongs to hand out candy.
• Think about creative candy dispensing ideas such as ramps or tubes that will help you maintain two metres of distance.
• Consider handing out candy outside to avoid crowding and overuse of touch points like door handles, railings and the doorbell.

Tips for adults going out:

• Go out with people in your cohort/bubble.
• Wash your hands often and pack sanitizer in your pocket or purse.
• Don't share food, drinks, and vapes with people outside of your bubble.
• Choose an outdoor location where possible.
• A Halloween mask is not effective as a face covering. Bring a proper face covering with you to wear where required.
• Make sure you know any venue guidelines and restrictions before you go out.

Tips for adults having people over:

• Limit your party to 15 people maximum.
• Invite people in your cohort/bubble.
• Keep the party outdoors as much as possible.
• Avoid sharing food, drinks, and vapes.
• If you serve food, make individual servings where possible.
• Put sanitizer in visible spaces and use single-use towels in the bathroom.

Halloween safety tips for kids:

• Tell your parent(s) or guardian(s) where you’re going, who you’re going with, and when you’ll be home.
• Bring a cell phone in case something changes.
• All pedestrian rules still apply - look both ways and walk, don’t run, across the street at intersections.
• Trick-or-treat all the way down one side of the street before crossing to the other; avoid zig-zagging across the road.
• Wear bright, reflective clothing so you are visible to drivers on the road.
• Trick or Treaters should carry a flashlight with them.
• Avoid shortcuts through alleyways, lanes, or private property.
• Stay in busy, well-lit areas if possible and bring a flashlight.
• Never enter a house or a car while you’re trick-or- treating.
• If a situation or person makes you feel uncomfortable, trust your gut and walk away. Call a parent or trusted adult if you’re not sure what to do, or approach one of the Partners for Safety vehicles.

Costume tips:

• Wear the full costume around the house for an hour or two to make sure the shoes, clothing, and accessories are comfortable (make changes if needed).
• Avoid a costume that is extremely dark or all black! Choose one with bright colors and consider adding reflective tape to make sure drivers can see you.
• Pick materials, garments, and accessories labeled ‘flame-resistant’.
• All accessories, such as sticks, rods, or wands should be soft and flexible with no sharp edges.
• A costume should be loose enough to be worn over warm clothing or a heavy jacket.
• Make sure the costume isn’t too big or long to avoid tripping hazards. It should not cover ankles and hands.

• Wear make-up instead of a mask to better accommodate a non-medical face covering.

Safety tips for haunted houses:

• If you are planning to attend a haunted house, ensure physical distancing of at least two metres.
• Wear a face covering.
• If you’re hosting a haunted community experience, remember that theme houses open to the public (indoors or outdoors), are considered a gathering. Limit attendance and ensure appropriate physical distancing, including controlling entry and exit for a haunted house.
• Do not have direct contact or touch with people, provide open food, or have close-range conversations.
• For more information on planning a haunted house, call The City of Calgary at 403-268-5311 or speak to us over live chat using calgary.ca/livechat

For more tips on having a fun and safe Halloween, visit calgaryschild.com; Calgary.ca/halloweensafety; or Calgary.ca/covid19.

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