Halloween safety tips for you and your loved ones

Emergency responders are urging drivers, trick-or-treaters and party-goers to stay safe during Halloween. 

"Halloween can turn from being a fun magical time and in an instant it can turn to something very horrible," said B.C. Ambulance Services spokesperson Marilyn Oberg. 

Oberg said emergency calls usually increase by 17 percent across the province on Halloween night. 

Vancouver police spokesperson Brian Montague said officials were especially expecting more calls because Halloween falls on a weekend this year — although rain forecasted for Saturday night may put a damper on those numbers. 

Here are their tips to help everyone stay safe, whether you'll be out collecting candy or not.

5 Halloween safety tips

1. Be mindful of flashing those fake weapons around

That gun that goes with your awesome Han Solo costume? Best to keep it concealed. Police receive calls about people with weapons on the street and in the clubs, and they do have to respond to them. 

2. Be careful when using fireworks

We've already discussed fireworks safety tips to avoid blowing off your fingers. But given that fireworks were the suspected cause of a house fire in East Vancouver on Thursday night, it's worth reiterating that you should steer clear of illegal fireworks like roman candles, and make sure a responsible adult is lighting up anything that goes kaboom.

3. Be visible

Yes, your ninja costume really is top notch, but your powers of disguise won't help you as you cross the street on a wet, dark night. Consider grabbing a flashlight or head lamp before you go out for the night, or adding reflective gear to your outfit.

4. Leave pets at home

Trick-or-treating may seem like a perfect opportunity to take Fido out for a stroll, but think again. The combination of fireworks and screaming children in costume can be terrifying to your furry friend. So you might want to keep them at home — or on a tight leash. 

5. Slow down on the road

Take your time getting to your party or any other destination — there will be a lot more pedestrians on the road, a lot of them little folks with underdeveloped street-crossing skills. Same goes whether you're on four wheels or two.