Safety Tips for a Fun and Safe Halloween

Surrey, B.C. – The Surrey Fire Service is encouraging everyone to have a fun and safe Halloween by following some simple safety precautions.

• Fireworks: Fireworks are hazardous to those who are lighting them and to the surrounding area based on the fallout of the burning materials.  With the recent dry conditions, this risk is higher than in previous years.  In Surrey, fireworks are not allowed to be sold or discharged without a valid fire department permit and a Federal Fireworks Certificate.
   
• Dangerous Décor: Ensure that combustible Halloween decorations such as paper, cornstalks and dried flowers are kept well away from sources of heat, including light bulbs, candles and heaters.
   
• Power Problems: Check indoor and outdoor decorative lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections. Do not use damaged lights or overload extension cords.
   
• Costume Considerations: When selecting this year’s Halloween costume, pick brightly coloured costumes that can be clearly seen by motorists and do not choose costumes with long flowing skirts, capes or baggy sleeves as they can be hazardous around ignition sources.
   
• Light the Night: Make sure everyone in the Halloween trick-or-treating party has a flashlight, glow stick or reflective tape. This will help make you more visible to motorists and others. When in doubt, stay in well-lit areas and only visit homes with their lights turned on.
   
• Cross at the Corner: Be careful when crossing the street.  Ensure to cross the street at intersections, crosswalks or street corners.  Never cross between parked cars.