Halloween street smarts

Times Contributor      

 

Halloween haunters will soon be taking to the streets and safety is on the mind of area emergency service providers.

Chief Muir Furzer is asking that people take care and use common sense when trick or treating.

“We will have a crew of six firefighters on standby from 5:30 to 9 p.m. that night, in case we have to respond,” said Furzer.

While Furzer said there has not been in need for response in past years, he has worked in areas where there were as many as 15 to 20 calls. Some of the concerns at Halloween are visibility, costume considerations, use of candles and fireworks. There is no fire ban in Strathmore, so people might be having bonfires as well.

Furzer suggests using glow sticks to wear with costumes, so cars can see revelers coming. Some parents furnish kids with flashlights, but there is the opportunity for them to drop them or batteries to fail. He encourages trick or treaters to be consciously aware of their surroundings. Have a parent or guardian along, or at least let them know where you are going. 

Make sure costumes provide good visibility and movement, so tripping on roads won’t be a problem. Trailing components of costumes can easily catch on candles used in indoor, or outdoor events. Furzer said glowsticks work great inside pumpkins and cut down the dangers of leaving lit candles in, or around decorations. To set off fireworks requires a permit, but Furzer still gets calls from residents concerned about kids using them. He suggested the temptation to use leaves in a bonfire is there this time of year, but he discourages it, because of the spark factor, and the smoke is not great for breathing, fireside conversations or the neighbours. Furzer said peace officers and the RCMP will be out patrolling Halloween night as well. 

“Everybody go out and have fun safely. It is a fun time of year,” said Furzer.

Firefighters will be giving out treats at the hall.