Halloween can bring good fun for all ages however many organizations across the Okanagan want to make sure everyone enjoys the holiday safely.
Kelowna RCMP say they will be out in the community working to keep the community safe on Halloween night with additional officers deployed across the city, focusing on pedestrian safety, traffic enforcement, and responding to incidents as neighbourhoods become busier with trick-or-treaters and families enjoying the evening.
“Halloween should be about costumes, treats, and making memories with family and friends. Taking a few extra precautions, such as making sure children are visible, staying together, and paying attention when crossing the street, can make a big difference,” says Corporal Steven Lang, Kelowna RCMP Media Relations Officer. “We’re asking everyone to look out for one another, so Halloween remains a safe and enjoyable night across our community.”
Mounties also warn about the use of fireworks. The only approved use is by a Government of Canada-licensed fireworks supervisor conducting an approved display. Under the City’s Life and Safety Bylaw No. 10760, the sale, possession, and use of fireworks and firecrackers are prohibited within Kelowna.
If fireworks are being set off in your neighbourhood, report the activity to the Kelowna Fire Department at 250-469-8577 or City Bylaw Services at 250-469-8686.
Halloween is one of the busiest evenings of the year for pedestrians. With excited children focused on collecting treats and visiting decorated homes, drivers are being reminded by RCMP to slow down, stay alert, and be prepared for the unexpected. Children may cross the street suddenly or emerge from between parked vehicles. Motorists should use extra caution near intersections, crosswalks, and residential streets where pedestrian traffic is at its highest.
Mounties also say a little planning before heading out can help make the evening safer and less stressful for everyone.
Parents and caregivers should discuss what to do if children become separated from their group, including identifying a designated meeting place and knowing how to contact a trusted adult in an emergency. Older children who are trick-or-treating without an adult should travel in groups, stick to familiar neighbourhoods, and have an established route, curfew, and a way to communicate with their parents or guardians.
Costumes are also a concern as some can pose a danger without realizing. RCMP say visibility is key. They recommend costumes that are bright, reflective, and easy to see after dark. Reflective tape, glow sticks, or a flashlight can help trick-or-treaters remain visible to drivers and other pedestrians. Face paint is recommended instead of masks, as masks can obstruct vision and make it more difficult to safely navigate roads, driveways, and sidewalks. Costumes should also fit properly and avoid long or flowing material that could create a tripping hazard.
For adults, RCMP want to make sure anyone choosing parties or gatherings does so responsibly. Mounties say plan ahead if alcohol or other intoxicating substances will be part of the celebration. Arrange for a designated driver, use a ride-sharing service, or make other transportation plans before heading out.
The Kelowna RCMP also encourages residents to be considerate of their neighbours, keep noise levels reasonable, and report suspicious activity when necessary.
Last Halloween, E-Comm says it saw a 14% spike in 9-1-1 calls compared to a typical Friday in October. With October 31st falling on a Saturday this year, call volumes are expected to be even higher than usual, and E-Comm is urging the public to make the right call.
“While Halloween is a fun night for many, it can also be a particularly busy time for emergency services,” says Stef Cramer, Police Call Taker at E-Comm. “We’re asking everyone to know when to call 9-1-1 and when to use a non-emergency number or online reporting instead. Our call takers and dispatchers will be working behind the scenes throughout the weekend to connect people with the help they need, and the public can help us by making the right call.”
“Composting your old Jack-o’-lantern is an easy way to reduce waste and create a valuable resource for your garden,” says Cynthia Coates, Solid Waste Services Supervisor. “Pumpkins are rich in nutrients and break down quickly in backyard composters, especially when chopped into smaller pieces and mixed with dry leaves. By spring, you’ll have nutrient-rich compost ready to use in your yard.”
If you don’t compost at home, the RDCO says unpainted pumpkins can still avoid the landfill. Pumpkins can be placed in your green-lidded curbside yard waste cart (remove candles and non-organic decorations first). Plus, yard waste collection continues through the end of December, giving residents plenty of time to dispose of pumpkins properly.
The RDCO also says while candy may disappear quickly, the plastic wrappers will last (in the landfill) for much longer. Candy wrappers and other flexible plastic packaging don’t belong in your curbside garbage or recycling cart. Instead, the RDCO says collect it all and bundle them with other flexible plastics, such as bread bags, overwrap and zipper bags, and either place them at the curb in your pink recycling box or return them to a depot for recycling.
