Halloween Safety

Tuesday, October 30, 2018 - 3:30 PM
Halloween craft mason jars decorated to look like Jack o'Lanterns

Halloween is an exciting time for trick-or-treaters and the City's Neighbourhood Watch program and the St. John's Regional Fire Department want to ensure all the ghosts and goblins are safe while having fun.

Fire Safety tips:

  • Ensure home smoke alarms are operational
  • Use battery-operated candles or glow sticks in Jack o’Lanterns. If using a real candle, use extreme caution and be sure to place the pumpkin away from anything that can burn and out of the way of trick-or-treaters including at doorsteps, walkways and yards
  • Check all indoor and outdoor decorative lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections; and do not overload extension cords
  • Keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks fire escape routes, and ensure all walkways and driveways are well lit
  • Make sure costumes are certified flame resistant

Neighbourhood Watch Safety tips:

  • Trick or Treaters should not be out alone. Get some neighbourhood kids together for trick-or-treating
  • Reflective tape is an easy addition to a costume and ensures trick-or-treaters will be seen
  • Remind your trick-or-treaters that pranks are not funny, and vandalism is a crime
  • Keep your house well lit, including side paths and driveways, and clear your yard and pathways of any obstacles or decorations
  • Drivers - drive slowly and be extra careful and watch for excited trick-or-treaters who may not be watching for you
  • Report suspicious and criminal activities to the police; in the Northeast Avalon call 709-729-8000

At Halloween, Jack o’Lanterns often become the target of vandalism, and 50 per cent of crimes reported to police on/after Halloween are crimes against property including Jack o’Lanterns. 

The City of St. John’s invites residents to participate in the second annual Pumpkin Walk at Bannerman Park on Thursday, Nov. 1, 6 to 8 p.m. Watch the video below to learn all details.

Bringing your Jack o’Lantern to Pumpkin Walk will curb Halloween-centered crime in your neighbourhood and is a great way to dispose of your pumpkin in an environmentally-friendly manner as the pumpkins will be composted and used in future landscaping projects.