Calgary’s trick-or-treaters urged to stay safe this Halloween

While kids in Calgary are eager to trick-or-treat on Monday, there are reminders for them to stay safe as they go door-to-door.

The Calgary Partners for Safety will be out patrolling city streets on Oct. 31 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will be of assistance to families who choose to trick or treat this year.

For nearly 30 years, the program has been a visible presence on Halloween night and gives valuable safety information to parents and children.

Overseen by Calgary’s Child Magazine, the partners for safety include Calgary police, EMS, Calgary firefighters, Calgary Transit, and Calgary community standards.

Coordinated by @CalgarysChild, the Partners for Safety @CalgaryPolice @ahs_ems @CGYFireFighters @calgarytransit and @GlobalCalgary will help keep Calgary’s little ghouls and goblins safe this Halloween! Visit https://t.co/RiSHuVF23C for more info. pic.twitter.com/rpu45H05ba

— Calgary Transit (@calgarytransit) October 30, 2022

Health and safety tips for trick-or-treaters:

• Try to keep your pets away from the front entrance or hand your treats outdoors instead
• Opt for LED candles or lighting for decoration purposes instead of real candles
• Allow for ample lighting on sidewalks, and front porches to allow a well-lit path free from obstacles
• Get a responsible adult to inspect Halloween candy

Halloween tips for kids:

• Notify your parent(s) or guardians(s) of your whereabouts including where you are going, who you’re going with, and when you’ll return
• Bring a cell phone in case something changes and you need to update
• Follow pedestrian rules by looking both ways before crossing the street. Don’t run across the street at intersections
• Be strategic – completely finish one end of the street instead of randomly zig-zagging across the road
• Wear, bright, reflective clothing overtop so you are visible to oncoming drivers
• Don’t take shady shortcuts through alleyways, lanes, or private property
• Remain in occupied, busy, and well-lit areas where there are others around, and bring a flashlight
• Never enter a stranger’s house or car while you’re trick-or-treating
• If a strange person or odd situation approaches you and makes you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts and walk away immediately. Call a parent or responsible adult if you’re not sure what to do. You can also ask for help at one of the Partner’s for Safety vehicles

Before you wear your costume on Halloween:

• Do a quick dress rehearsal and have your kids wear the full costume for a couple of hours before the day of Halloween to ensure clothing, shoes, and accessories are comfortable
• Try to wear bright colors and avoid one completely dark or all-black. You can add reflective tape to make sure drivers see you
• Whether store-bought or handcrafted choose materials, garments, and accessories that are labeled “flame resistant”
• All costume accessories like sticks, rods, wands, swords, cauldrons, etc. should be soft, pliable, and flexible with no sharp or pointed edges
• It’s typically cold on Halloween night so ensure costumes are loose enough so they can be worn over layered clothing to keep you warm or use a heavy jacket or coat
• Don’t wear oversize costumes to avoid accidentally tripping and it should not cover ankles and hands
• It’s best to make costume masks that are comfortable and fit well. Bulkier marks will make it difficult to see traffic, and other hazards and can hurt. You can also go for makeup instead of a mask.