As Halloween approaches, Central Saanich Police and Fire Services remind residents to prioritize safety for a fun and festive celebration. While children excitedly trick-or-treat in local neighbourhoods and other festivities are under way, it is essential that everyone takes precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treaters:
- Plan your route: Discuss and map out a safe trick-or-treating route with your children. Stick to well-lit neighborhoods and avoid unfamiliar areas.
- Use crosswalks: Always cross streets at designated crosswalks. Stop and look both ways before crossing. Parents should accompany younger children.
- Check candy: Inspect all treats before consumption. Discard any items that are not sealed or appear suspicious.
- Stay together: Encourage older children to trick-or-treat in groups. Remind them to keep their phones charged and to stay in contact with an adult.
- Stay visible: Costumes should be bright and reflective. Consider adding reflective tape or glow sticks to increase visibility in the dark.
The District has reflective bands available for local families to help increase road safety this Halloween. If your child does not have something reflective to wear, please pick up a reflective slap band at the Municipal Hall, Fire Station, or Library. Wear bands on arms or wrists (not ankles) for increased visibility to drivers.
Fire Safety Tips:
- Fireworks: We encourage you to leave fireworks to licensed professionals. If you do choose to use them, please apply for a permit and follow safety guidelines. Please respect the noise Fireworks make and the impact it has on your neighbouring animals, especially horses and livestock.
- Fires: Recreational fires are permitted if they are no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide. Burning permits are required for domestic, agricultural and Category 3 fires.
- Costume safety: Choose flame-resistant costumes and accessories. Avoid long, flowing costumes that could catch fire.
- Pumpkin carving: Use battery-operated lights instead of candles to illuminate jack-o'-lanterns. If using candles, keep them out of reach and never leave them unattended.
- Decorations: Ensure decorations are away from heat sources and are made of fire-retardant materials.
- Smoke alarms: Test smoke alarms and replace batteries if necessary. A working smoke alarm can save lives.
Central Saanich Police will be actively patrolling neighborhoods and monitoring speed limits to ensure a safe environment for all trick-or-treaters. Drivers are reminded to go slow and proceed with caution, taking extra care to look for children at crosswalks and intersections.
Special measures are in place for the Tanner Road and Rodolph Road crosswalk where lights are currently out of service. Replacement lights have been ordered from the manufacturer and will be installed as soon as possible. In case the lights are not received before Halloween, a Traffic Control Person will be stationed at the crosswalk between 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to help trick-or-treaters cross safely.
The Halloween tradition continues as the community gathers at Centennial Park for a spectacular bonfire and fireworks display, honoring AC Forrest Owens. The bonfire will start at 7:30 p.m. with fireworks starting at approximately 8:00 p.m. Central Saanich Lions Club will be selling hot dogs, hot chocolate and popcorn by donation.