With Halloween quickly approaching, Coquitlam is reminding residents about safety tips.
COQUITLAM, BC, Oct. 26, 2022 – With Halloween quickly approaching, Coquitlam is reminding residents about safety tips as well as fireworks guidelines to help trick-or-treaters of all ages and the community-at-large to have a safe and fun night.
Fireworks Permit Process
It is illegal to buy or sell fireworks in Coquitlam, and firework use requires a permit. Please read our Fireworks Permit Guidelines before you complete a Permit Application, noting the following requirements:
- a person responsible for the fireworks, who is at least 19 years old;
- plans to keep spectators at a safe distance from the location where the fireworks are being set off;
- protection of public and private property; and
- proper fire extinguishing equipment available.
Both the Permit Guidelines and Fireworks (Pyrotechnics) Permit Application are available at www.coquitlam.ca/fireworks.
The Permit Application must be submitted at least 72 hours prior to the planned fireworks event. Permit fees range from $50 - $100 depending on the nature and degree of hazard of the fireworks. The illegal discharge of fireworks can result in fines ranging between $250 to $1,000 and the seizure of remaining fireworks.
Coquitlam Bylaw Enforcement, RCMP and Fire Rescue will be increasing patrols throughout the city and may take enforcement action to ensure public safety.
Protect Our Environment – Recycle Your Pumpkin
If you are displaying pumpkins outside, only do so on Halloween and do not leave them out overnight. Bears are fattening up for winter and those gourds are an attractant. After Halloween, remember pumpkins are compostable so you can dispose of them in your Green Cart.
Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treaters
- Choose costumes that are bright or reflective and that don’t drag.
- Provide children with flashlights or glow sticks to increase visibility.
- Ensure kids can see clearly through masks or choose makeup instead.
- Use battery-operated candles for jack-o-lanterns and other decorations.
- Keep matches, lighters, candles and fireworks out of children’s reach.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Expect the unexpected – there will be more foot traffic on Halloween night and most of it will be excited young children, so give yourself extra time to navigate residential streets and stay alert.
Coquitlam Animal Shelter Offers Safety Tips for Pets
- Keep pets inside – loud noises and costumed strangers can be alarming for pets, potentially causing them to run off, jump out open windows or dart into traffic.
- Make sure your dog or cat wears identification and has permanent ID such as a tattoo or microchip in case they do run off.
- Keep human treats out of your pet’s reach – candy is unhealthy for pets, particularly chocolate, which can be toxic.
- Don’t take your pet with you trick-or-treating as the strange sights, sounds and activity can cause a normally friendly dog to bite if it feels scared or threatened.
- Be mindful that dressing your pet in a costume may make them uncomfortable or inhibit their ability to communicate. This may cause dogs to display fearful or aggressive behaviour or be subjected to aggressive behaviour from other dogs.
Media contacts:
Bob Hieltjes
Assistant Chief Fire Prevention
firerescue@coquitlam.ca
604-927-6400
Aaron Hilgerdenaar
Bylaw Enforcement & Animal Services Manager
bylawenforcement@coquitlam.ca
604-927-7387