Make this a fire-free Halloween
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Tips from Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service to enjoy a spooky and safe night-in
The only fright you should have on Halloween is from spooky costumes and scary movies – not from a fire. When staying in tonight, it’s important to practice fire safety to keep your family and pets safe and having a wickedly good time.
The only fright you should have on Halloween is from spooky costumes and scary movies – not from a fire. When staying in tonight, it’s important to practice fire safety to keep your family and pets safe and having a wickedly good time.
To ensure your Halloween night is fire free, follow these safety tips from Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service:
- Test your smoke alarms to make sure they work. This is also a great time to buy new batteries.
- Choose safer alternatives like battery-operated candles, flashlights and glow sticks instead of candles to light up your jack-o-lantern and other Halloween decorations. If you must use candles, never leave them unattended and keep them well away from children, pets and anything that can burn.
- Purchase or make Halloween costumes (including wigs and props) labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant. Choose materials that won’t easily ignite and avoid billowing or long-trailing features.
- Remember to keep exits clear of decorations to ensure nothing blocks your escape routes in the event of a fire.
- Make sure children know to “stop, drop and roll” if their clothing does catch fire – stop immediately, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands and roll over and over to extinguish flames.
- Remember extension cords are for temporary use only. Use the right one for the job – there are special extension cords for outdoor use.
- Never overload electrical outlets by plugging in too many plugs – use an approved power bar.
Guidance on trick-or-treating
In response to increasing COVID-19 cases, the Province has issued guidance advising against traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating in areas within modified Stage 2 restrictions, including York Region. Even though Halloween looks different this year, there are many ways to enjoy the day.
- Have an Easter egg-like hunt in your house with the kids hunting for Halloween candy.
- Decorate different doors in your home and have kids trick-or-treat indoors with different household members handing out candy.
- Set up a piñata at home filled with your kids’ favourite Halloween treats.
For more information on COVID-19 health and safety recommendations from York Region Public Health, visit york.ca/COVID19.
Virtual celebrations
If you are still looking to add some extra magic to your Halloween day-in, Vaughan Recreation Services and Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) are offering online Halloween parties for all the little witches and wizards of your family.
Today from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., kids ages six to nine can join in a virtual party with Vaughan Recreation Services for haunted houses, graveyards, full moons and spider webs. From dancing to spooky music and competing in a costume contest, to going on a scavenger hunt for skeletal bones and creating creepy crafts, children can stretch their imagination while building social skills. Don’t forget to pre-register at vaughan.ca/RecOnline. Parents can also download a free Halloween-themed colouring book, Vaughan Playschool activity sheets and printable masks from the City Playhouse Academy musical theatre programs at vaughan.ca/recreation.
VPL is also offering a virtual Family Halloween Party today at 2 p.m. Children can join online wearing costumes and virtually enjoy some thrills, chills and squeals! Register on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link. For even more spooky fun, visit vaughanpl.info/halloween to enjoy the many Halloween games, activities and story time videos.
To receive the City’s latest COVID-19 updates as they happen, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.
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