In the days leading up to Halloween night, children receive frequent reminders and tips on how to be safe while trick-or-treating around neighbourhoods - what not to eat, what not to wear and what not to do. The adults celebrating this weekend and on Halloween night could also use some safety tips - like don't trip over your long costume, and don't stick your face too close to the top of a lit jack-o-lantern.
Make sure your costume is flame resistant in case your loose sleeves come in contact with a candle or a lit cigarette.
If you insist on setting off firecrackers, let go after you light them so you don't burn off your eyebrows or lose your hand. The Town of Gibsons has a new fireworks bylaw requiring a permit.
According to the B.C. Professional Firefighters' Association, illegal explosives or homemade fireworks account for a third of the injuries associated with fireworks, including burns, lacerations, amputations and blindness.
At home, try using battery-operated candles instead of tea lights. One tea light could start a fire burning down an entire house, warns B.C.'s fire commissioner in a news release. Around Halloween time, open-flame fires caused by candles increase by 50 per cent, according to the release. So be careful with candles and let the local volunteer firefighters have the night off from their duties.
Safety on the dark and sometimes wet roads is also important for adults to keep in mind on Halloween night. Plan your ride home from a party or pub ahead of time. Carpool, have a designated driver, call a taxi, take the bus or walk those shorter distances. Wear bright colours or incorporate reflectors into your costume for when you're crossing the road. Bring a flashlight and a cell phone if you have one. Always have a buddy with you if you're going somewhere dark and unknown. Stay on the side of the road facing traffic and look both ways before crossing.
Watch your sugar intake. Eat a healthy meal before you go out so you won't splurge at the potluck table.
Health Canada's list of safety tips for kids advises swords and knives should be made of soft, flexible materials and not have sharp edges. Adults, don't carry real weapons with your costume when you're out on the town. Children learn by example so if we all show some common sense and personal responsibility on Halloween night, the community's streets will be safer for everyone.
And one more thing - be prepared at haunted houses for that mummy you think is a mannequin but is really a man dressed as a mummy to jump out of a coffin at you. He made a certain reporter/photographer scream in panic at last year's haunted house in Halfmoon Bay.
