**** HRP Media Release
Natal Day safety tips
With the upcoming long weekend, Halifax Regional Police is providing some tips to help everyone safely enjoy the events in our region.
There are a number of events this weekend including:
- Halifax Busker Festival
- African Nova Scotian Music Association ‘Freedom Festival’ Concert
- Union of Black Artists Society (UBAS) Block Party
- The Macdonald Bridge Walk
- Dartmouth Natal Day Road Race
- The Pepsi Natal Day Parade
To learn more about the line-up of events and festivities this Natal Day weekend, visit: https://www.natalday.org.
Some of the events involve street closures and HRP will have officers performing traffic control at a number of locations to help keep everyone safe. Please plan ahead and expect delays.
Here are some more tips to help everyone safely celebrate Natal Day:
- 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 a taxi, ride sharing service or 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 impaired driving or impaired boating, call 911 immediately.
- For parades, ensure you stay back from the parade vehicles. Stay on one side of the street and don’t run across between floats.
- In addition to organized events some citizens may celebrate in other ways. If it involves fireworks, please make yourself aware of the risks and responsibilities and be mindful of your neighbors, the environment and our four-legged friends. More information on fireworks safety and regulations is available at: https://www.halifax.ca/fire-police/fire/fire-prevention-safety/fireworks
- If you are planning a trip this weekend, remember to secure your home before you leave. Ensure windows and doors are locked and consider leaving a light on.
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 long weekend!
