Halloween Safety, Firecrackers and Fireworks
Trick or Treaters:
Don't forget to keep your little ghouls and goblins safe and sound when they go out trick or treating. Here are some useful tips:
- Children should wear clothing that drivers can see easily at night, is flame resistant and short enough that the child won't trip.
- Avoid costumes with long, trailing pieces that could ignite. All costume accessories such as swords should be made of soft, flexible material.
- Children should wear masks that do not interfere with vision. Better yet, they can avoid masks by wearing makeup.
- Children shouldn't carry candles as a light source or as part of a costume - give your child a flashlight to carry instead.
- Teach children to stay clear of open flames and other heat sources. Make sure they know that if their clothes catch on fire, they should STOP immediately, DROP to the ground and cover their face with their hands, and ROLL over and over to extinguish the flames.
- Children should trick or treat in one well-known area and not wander into unknown neighbourhoods.
- An adult should inspect all candy to make sure that no one has tampered with it. If it looks suspicious, the police should be contacted.
- Children should avoid stray animals.
Firecrackers:
Firecrackers can be very unpredictable and unstable and are prohibited for use, Canada wide, by any person. A small, single firecracker can cause the loss of a finger, eye and permanently damage hearing. Severe, deep burns can also occur if the firecracker explodes near a body part.
Firecrackers are illegal and will be confiscated if found and a fine levied.
Those causing damage or injury from the use of firecrackers may be charged criminally.
Fireworks
Family Fireworks Safety Tips
Always read and follow directions on fireworks labels.
Never hold a firework in your hand to light it.
Only buy fireworks in Canada - from a reliable source.
Use a lighting stick rather than matches or lighters.
Dispose of spent fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then putting them in your trashcan.
Keep a charged garden hose at the firing site.
A bucket, large box or wheelbarrow filled with earth or sand makes a good firing base to secure fireworks before lighting.
Fireworks Safety Information (PDF)
Fireworks Regulations
We want you to have family fun this Halloween, therefore fireworks must be safely handled only by an adult. Due to the unpredictable nature of fireworks, all spectators, especially children, must stay well back at a safe distance.
Remember these important rules:
Fireworks are legal to use in West Vancouver between the dates of October 26 - November 1, 2009 only with a Fireworks Use Permit, available at No. 1 Fire Hall - 760 16th Street between M - F, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Permit cost is $5.
Be aware that a North Vancouver District or any other Fireworks Permit is not valid in West Vancouver.
It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase, transport, or use fireworks.
Fireworks must be used on private property only with the written consent of the property owner.
It is illegal to use fireworks without this permit.
- It is illegal to discharge, propel, point or throw any fireworks at any person, animal, vehicle, building, structure, hedge or vegetation.
Fireworks are illegal to use on any highway, street, park, playground, school grounds or any other public place within the District of West Vancouver.
Roman Candles, rockets and other noisemakers are legal only if they make up not more than 30% of a family pack of fireworks. Your fireworks retailer should be familiar with these regulations and assist you in your purchase.
Fines start at $500 per offence and can reach $2000 or more for misuse of fireworks. Maximum fine $10,000 and 6 months imprisonment.
WVFR Fireworks Permit to Purchase, Possess, or Discharge Fireworks/ Pyrotechnics (Sample) (PDF)
More Information