Safely enjoying summer events
After months of chilly weather, we are more than ready for the summer heat! Halifax is known for its amazing summer events and this year is no exception.
The TD Halifax Jazz Festival, Atlantic Canada’s largest music festival, takes place throughout Halifax from July 8-12. The Halifax Pride Festival is July 16-26, with its Pride Parade on July 25. The Bell Aliant Natal Day Festival runs from July 30-August 3 and the Halifax International Busker Festival is July 29-August 3. More information and events can be found at www.destinationhalifax.com/experience-halifax/festivals-events.
Halifax Regional Police and RCMP offer these personal safety tips to help everyone enjoy our city’s events to the fullest:
<number_list class=”paragraph” displayname=”number_list” name=”number_list”>
Plan ahead. Check the event’s website to ensure you’re familiar with all that it has to offer such as parking, lost and found, etc. Agree on a meeting place in case you get separated.
Drink lots of water and wear sunscreen and a hat.
If possible, take public transportation. These events draw large crowds, causing heavy traffic and making parking difficult.
Alcohol is served at some of our summer festivals. It’s important to appoint a designated driver or take public transportation if you plan to indulge. If you drink, don’t drive.
Many events happen along our waterfront. Keep back from the water and don’t lean over the edge.
For parades, ensure you stay back from the parade vehicles. Stay on one side of the street and don’t run across between floats.
Many boaters enjoy summer events from the harbour. Please boat responsibly and appoint a designated ‘skipper.’
If you witness suspicious and/or criminal activity, including impaired driving or impaired boating, call 9-1-1 immediately.
It’s easy for little ones to become lost in the midst of a large crowd. Here are a few simple steps parents can take to help keep their children safe in a public place:
<number_list class=”paragraph” displayname=”number_list” name=”number_list”>
Make sure your child carries some form of ID with contact information. Older children can be taught to memorize their home address and phone numbers.
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.
Always carry an up-to-date picture and make note of what your child is wearing.
Police officers will be on hand at many of our community events this summer to help keep people safe. We look forward to seeing you at these amazing festivities in our city!
Police Beat is written by Halifax Regional Police and Halifax District RCMP to provide information on policing in Halifax Regional Municipality. The articles are intended to educate citizens on the different public safety issues to help prevent crime or to provide detailed information on the various specialized units within policing so people can have a greater perspective regarding what the police do in our community.
