Tips for safer trick-or-treating this Halloween
Public Service Announcement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
This year, there’s no trick to keeping Halloween festivities safe and fun or all. As countless kids prepare their costumes and neighbourhood trick-or-treating routes, the Kelowna Fire Department (KFD) and the Kelowna RCMP have once again teamed up to offer safety tips to make this year’s spooky celebrations enjoyable for everyone.
Halloween home and community safety tips:
* Choose safe costumes: Select costumes that fit well and are not long and flowing, which can be a tripping hazard or easily catch fire. * Increase visibility: Ensure trick-or-treaters are visible to motorists by using flashlights, glow sticks, and reflective tape, and wearing light-colored costumes if possible. * Use caution with masks: If a mask is worn, make sure the eye holes are large enough to allow for clear vision.
- Keep away from flames: Remind children to stay away from open flames, including candles in jack-o'-lanterns.
- Practice fire safety: Teach children how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches fire.
- “There are very few urban centers in BC that still allow permits for recreational fireworks,” said Paul Johnson, Fire Prevention Officer with the KFD. “Not only is the unauthorized use of fireworks a danger to inexperienced operators and those observing, but it also poses a significant fire risk to surrounding trees, grasses, and dry areas.”
The firework permitting process ensures public safety by allowing only authorized operators, licensed by the Explosives Regulatory Division of Natural Resources Canada, to legally set off fireworks. The permit process also ensures that ample insurance is provided.
Fireworks may only be used by a licensed operator who has undergone a strict permitting process that is officially vetted through Kelowna’s fire department. To date, no one has submitted a fireworks permit application, and no permits have been issued.
Persons caught illegally setting off fireworks within City limits are subject to a minimum fine of $250, which may be issued as a bylaw offence notice by the KFD.
LOOKING FOR SAFE FAMILY HALLOWEEN FUN? Families looking for a fun, free and safe way to celebrate Halloween are invited to the annual Family Monster Bash on Sunday, Oct. 26 at MNP Place. From 1-4 p.m., families can enjoy all kinds of activities, including a bouncy house, Zorb soccer, face painting, Halloween-themed games, free skating and much more. Be sure to wear your best costume for this Halloween event for the whole family!
For more information:
Paul Johnson
Fire Prevention Officer
Kelowna Fire Department
250-469-1861
