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Keep kids and pets safe this Halloween. (Photo Holly Miyasaki)
As tiny trick-or-treaters prepare to hit the streets in search of sweet treats and Halloween scares, community organizations are sending out some gentle reminders of safety for Fright Night.
The Kelowna Fire Department advises that costumes, wigs and props should be labelled “flame-resistant” or “flame-retardant.” If costumes are made by hand, material that won’t easily ignite if it comes in tact with heat or flame. Don’t use long, trailing, or billowing fabric and make sure eye holes are large enough for kids to be able to see out. Kids should have a flashlight as part of their costume.
Decorations such as dried flowers, corn stalks and crepe paper are highly flammable and should be kept away from open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters. The safest option is to use a flashlight or battery-operated candle in a jack-o-lantern.
Put lit pumpkins far away from anything that can burn and out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways and yards. Always keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.
Don’t forget to remind kids to stay away from open flames and ensure they know how to stop, drop and roll should their clothing catch fire.
The Kelowna RCMP detatchment has also made a number of suggestions to ensure a safe and spooky Hallow’s Eve.
- Do not go trick-or-treating alone. Go with an adult, or older brother or sister.
- Do not go to houses that have their lights out.
- Do not go inside the house or car of anyone you do not know.
- Wear make-up instead of a mask, you will be able to see better. If you wear a mask, ensure that the eye holes are large enough for you to see clearly.
- Use the sidewalk.
- Cross the street in a crosswalk or at a corner. Look both ways before crossing the road.
- Do not eat any of your treats before you get home. Have your parents check all the candy so that they can throw away anything that is not wrapped in a sealed wrapper.
- Never eat any fresh fruit or home-made treats unless you know where they came from.
- Always stay in your own neighbourhood and know where there is a safe house that you can go to if you need help.
- Start trick-or-treating early and finish early.
- Do not go near any animals you do not know.
- Stay away from anyone playing with firecrackers.
Finally, while they usually aren’t part of the festivities, it’s important to remember to care for your pet during Halloween.
Loud noises from fireworks/fire crackers, the constant ringing of the doorbell and the presence of strangers can be a terrifying experience for pets, says the BCSPCA.
Frightened pets will run away from home if they can get away and will also act out of character, scratching and biting if they feel threatened.
The best advice is to ensure your pet is wearing proper identification, should it escape, and keep them inside, in a quiet room.
Also–keep candy and treats in a place pets can’t get to it.
entertainment@kelowna.com
250-575-0613
Tags: halloween, Kelowna Fire Department, kelowna rcmp, safety, SPCA
