What’s intended to be a fun and exciting day can quickly turn into tragedy unless everyone puts safety first. Please consider some reminders for drivers, trick-or-treaters and parents to ensure a safe and happy Halloween:
Parents
- Plan your children’s route ahead of time and rehearse it with them prior to Halloween night
- Know who your children are trick or treating with.
- Make sure your kids are visible (Consider reflective arm bands)
- Set a time for your children to be home by, and ensure they have a way to get a hold of you if needed
- Ensure your child knows which homes in the area are those of family and friends, so they can go there for help if needed
- Always check your kids’ candy to ensure they are safe before eating
Trick-or-Treaters
- Young children should always be accompanied by an adult, and older children should travel in groups, never alone
- Only accept treats from the front door. Do not go inside any homes
- Approach only clearly visible and unobstructed front doors of homes
- If wearing a mask, remove the mask when walking from house to house or crossing the street
- Wear make-up instead of a mask to be able to see properly.
If you do wear a mask, make sure that the eye holes are large enough to properly see. - Make sure costumes and shoes fit well and so you don’t trip
- Be extra careful if you are wearing dark colour costume. Bright colour’s are easier to see. Consider reflective arm bands and carrying a bright coloured or white bag.
- Make sure a parent knows the route you will be taking.
- Bring a flashlight
- Don’t eat anything until it was inspected and approved by a parent
- Never go anywhere with strangers, or someone you don’t know very well, unless your parents give you permission
- Walk on the sidewalk and stay off lawns and roadways. If there are no sidewalks then walk facing traffic.
- Walk, don’t run; always look both ways before crossing the street. Trick or treat on one side of the street, then cross to the other side.
- Trick or Treat bags should be sturdy to prevent them from breaking and dropping all of your treats in the middle of the roadway
Stay on one side of the street at a time, cross only at corners, and avoid zigzagging across the road - Stay in well-lit areas and avoid approaching homes that are in complete darkness
- Don’t eat all the candy in one night, it will give you a stomach ache
Drivers
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- Do not text or talk on a cell phone while driving
- Drive very slowly especially in residential areas
- Expect that children may suddenly run out from driveways or from behind parked vehicles
- Avoid driving during trick or treating hours
- Be extra careful in driveways and parking lots as well – double check before putting the vehicle in motion whether backing up or driving forwards.
- Remember that children with masks on may have a restricted field of vision.
Motorists are asked to slow down and pay extra attention for children running through the streets. Be alert that the children may be distracted by the excitement of the night and not be paying attention to vehicles.
Finally, don’t forget to include the Police Station on your route! We would be happy to see you and give you a treat!! Get a picture with an officer and tag us on Facebook or Twitter! On behalf of all of us at the West Grey Police Service, we hope that you all have a safe and happy Halloween!