Trick-or-treaters can stay safe on Halloween: RCMP

Planning to head out tonight for Halloween? The “V” Division RCMP has some tips to ensure the safety of trick-or-treaters:

• Wear makeup instead of a mask. This will allow you to see and be aware of everything going on around you while walking house to house;

• Wear reflective clothing;

• Make sure your costume does not drag on the ground so you don’t trip;

• Wear comfortable shoes, even if they don’t go with your costume;

• Carry flexible props, such as magic wands, swords;

• Wear a watch you can read in the dark;

• Carry a flashlight so you can see where you are going;

• Walk, don’t run;

• Stay in familiar neighborhoods;

• Stay on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic;

• Do not cut across yards or driveways;

• Obey traffic signals and give traffic the right of way;

• Only approach houses that have the outside lights turned on;

• Stay away from pets you don’t know;

• Trick-or-treat in groups;

• Never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle for a treat;

Here are some additional tips for parents:

• Ensure that your child eats dinner before setting out;

• Discuss with your children what they should do to call home in case of emergency;

• Ideally, young children of any age should be accompanied by an adult. If your children go on their own, be sure they wear a watch, preferably one that can be read in the dark;

• If you buy a costume, look for one made of flame retardant material;

• Older children should know where to reach you and when to be home;

• Although tampering is rare, tell children to bring the candy home to be inspected before consuming anything. Look at the wrapping carefully and toss out anything that looks suspect;

• Make sure your yard is clear of such things as ladders, dog leashes, ice/snow and clutter that can trip the young ones;

• Pets get frightened on Halloween, so put them inside to protect them from cars or inadvertently biting a trick-or-treater;

• Battery powered Jack-O-Lantern candles are preferable to a real flame; and,

• Place pumpkins and decorations out of reach of children.