The members of Calgary’s Partners for Safety: Calgary’s Child Magazine, AHS EMS, Calgary Police, Fire, 9-1-1, Bylaw, and Transit would like to remind parents and trick-or-treaters of some Halloween safety tips as October 31st approaches. Partners for Safety vehicles will be out patrolling communities on Halloween night to provide a visible safety resource for parents and trick-or-treaters.
Costumes
Choose bright colored costumes that are highly visible. Adding reflective tape to costumes further increases visibility.
Consider sending your children with a flashlight for additional safety and increased visibility.
When purchasing, or making costumes, look for materials and accessories that are labeled flame-resistant.
All costume accessories, such as sticks, rods, or wands, should be soft and flexible, with no sharp edges.
Consider using hypoallergenic make-up kits instead of masks that may impair breathing, or vision.
Be sure costumes are loose enough to be worn over warm clothing, but not so long that they become a tripping hazard. Costumes should not be longer than your child’s ankles.
Ensure your child is wearing adequate foot wear that takes into consideration weather conditions and walking.
Trick-or-Treaters
Remember: all regular pedestrian rules still apply. Be sure to cross the road at marked crosswalks, or well-lit corners only. It is safest to work your way up one side of the street, and then cross once to the other side.
Stay away from houses that are not well lit. Do not accept rides from strangers, or enter any home you feel is unsafe.
Let your parents know where you are going to be at all times (route) and advise them if you will be late returning.
Parents
Be certain that young trick-or-treaters are accompanied by an adult. Older children should stay in groups.
Pre-determine boundaries to trick-or-treat within and establish a firm time to return home.
Advise children not to eat anything until they return home. Dispose of any items that appear to have been tampered with, or that are not properly wrapped.
Our work takes place on historical and contemporary Indigenous lands, including the territories of Treaty 6, Treaty 7 & Treaty 8 and the homeland of the Métis Nation of Alberta and 8 Métis Settlements. We also acknowledge the many Indigenous communities that have been forged in urban centres across Alberta.