**** HRP Media Release
Summer events safety tips
With the upcoming long weekend, Halifax Regional Police is providing some tips to help everyone safely enjoy the celebrations in our region.
The start of summer means there will a number of events happening throughout the municipality. To learn more about the lineup of events and festivities, visit https://discoverhalifaxns.com/events or https://hrmcanadaday.ca.
HRP will have officers performing traffic control at a number of locations to help keep everyone safe. Please plan ahead and take extra time to arrive safely, keeping in mind any associated road closures, parking restrictions and public transit schedules.
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds air show demonstration will take place on July 1 from noon to 12:30 p.m. over Halifax Harbour. For everyone’s safety, there will be restrictions that will impact marine traffic in the harbour over the weekend. The marine traffic restrictions are outlined in the attached map and information on impacts to the Halifax Transit ferry is available on the Halifax Transit’s service disruptions page.
Here are some more tips to help everyone enjoy our community events to the fullest:
- Plan ahead. Check the event’s website to ensure you’re familiar with the venue, its location and the amenities it has to offer.
- Drink lots of water and wear sunscreen and a hat if the event is outside. Find a shaded place or go inside to cool down in warm sunny weather.
- Stay safe this summer when including your pet in activities. Never leave your pet unattended in parked cars. Carry water and extra snacks for your pet and always ensure they have a shady place to get out of the sun.
- If possible, take public transportation. These events draw large crowds, causing heavy traffic and making parking difficult.
- If you drink, don’t drive. Alcohol will be served at some of our summer festivals, so it is important to have a designated driver or take public transportation if you plan to indulge.
- Many boaters enjoy summer events from the harbour. Please boat responsibly and appoint a designated ‘skipper.’ Remember that penalties for impaired boating are the same as impaired driving on the road.
- If you witness suspicious and/or criminal activity, including impaired driving or impaired boating, call 911 immediately.
It’s easy for little ones to become lost in the midst of a large crowd. Here are a few simple steps parents/guardians can take to help keep their children safe:
- When you arrive at an event, agree on a meeting place in case you get separated.
- Don’t allow your child to go to a public washroom or concession stand alone.
- Carry an up-to-date picture and make note of what your child is wearing.
Here’s to a safe and fun-filled summer season!
