Make this a fire-free Halloween

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Make this a fire-free Halloween

10/31/2020 10:00 AM

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.

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.

For more information on fire safety tips, visit vaughan.ca/fire.

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.

York Region has provided safer alternatives to trick-or-treating:

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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