With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, police across B.C. are preparing for a busy weekend—and they’re urging parents and partiers alike to stay safe.
One way to do that is to avoid carrying fake guns around for a costume.
Imitation firearms and replica weapons can create fear, prompt emergency calls, and may lead to a significant police response.
Police are asking that you consider alternative costume accessories that do not resemble real weapons.
Authorities have also reminded the public that fireworks are banned in many cities, and those caught setting them off illegally can face steep fines—including in Surrey, where the maximum penalty for violating the city’s fireworks bylaw is $50,000.
Advice for parents
Police in many jurisdictions across BC will be increasing patrols over the weekend to ensure safety, but authorities have asked that members of the public do their part as well.
RCMP say roads will be busier than usual on Saturday, and drivers should slow down and watch for pedestrians.
With daylight hours waning, families can help avoid accidents as well by having children wear glow sticks or reflective armbands.
Parents should also remind their children not to dart out onto the road while trick-or-treating, he added.
“They’re going to be super excited,” Cpl. Frank Bryson said. “Might have a little sugar, be amped up.”
He suggested parents of teenagers talk to them as well—potentially to discuss a curfew, but also to make sure their phones will be charged in case they need to call for help.
Safety tip for Trick-or-Treaters:
- Stay together: Always stay with a trusted adult or remain in a large, supervised group. Always go with young children on their neighbourhood rounds. Encourage youth to Trick-or-Treat in a group, remind them to regularly check in and agree on a specific time when they should return home.
- Remain visible: Carry glowsticks, flashlights, or wear reflective clothing so drivers can easily spot you in the dark.
- Stick to the path: Use sidewalks, cross only when safe, at crosswalks or corners. Never cut across streets or unlit yards.
- Keep your distance: Never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle. Avoid unlit houses or houses with no Halloween decorations.
- Inspect treats: Have a parent or guardian check and inspect all candy before eating anything. Never eat homemade treats, unsealed or unusual snacks, and if the item is unfamiliar, inspect and read labels carefully. When in doubt, throw it out.
Party responsibly
Adults heading out to Halloween parties need to make smart choices as well, Bryson said, like leaving their car at home if they’re going to be intoxicated.
“Sometimes if you’ve had some adult beverages, you don’t make good choices at that time,” he said. “If you plan ahead, then you can just take that right out of the equation and have a safe trip home after.”
E-Comm, the largest 911 services provider in B.C., is anticipating a spike in calls this weekend, and asked the public to avoid tying up the lines with non-emergencies.
E-comm said illegal fireworks can be reported to local bylaw services or a police non-emergency line, unless there is a serious injury, fire or imminent public safety risk.
Stolen Halloween decorations and noisy parties do not warrant a 911 call either, the service provider said.
With files from CTV Ottawa