Halloween Safety

The EPS would like to send out a friendly safety reminder so everyone can enjoy Halloween night this Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Tips for children

• Carry a flashlight and cell phone.
• Have an emergency plan if something bad happens – know who you can talk to or approach if you have any problems or get lost.
• Let your parents/guardians know where you will be and stay in areas that you know and are comfortable with.
• Ensure you can see through a mask or makeup.
• Avoid wearing long capes or things that can be tripped on, or caught on things.
• Empty your candy bag and check in often with your parents or friends’ parents.
• Walk on well-lit streets and avoid alleys or dark areas.
• Trick-or-treat on one side of the street, then cross to the other. Never criss-cross the street.
• Don’t go to houses that don’t have lights on, or that you don’t think are safe.
• Leave valuables at home (money, iPod’s).
• Don’t carry anything that looks like a weapon.

Tips for parents

• Accompany your kids trick-or-treating or ensure that they are with a responsible adult.
• If your kids are older, outline a set area that they can go to and a timeframe to be home; ensure that your kids check in often (every 30 minutes) and know who they are with.
• Provide your kids with a cell phone and a flashlight.
• Have an early meal with your children prior to trick-or-treating. This will help discourage your child from sampling candy before you can check it.
• Keep the lights on in your home – make it safe for other kids to come to your door.
• Check the candy your child brings home – throw out anything that is opened, suspicious, or that you don’t recognize.
• Make sure your kids are dressed for the weather.
• Don’t allow your kids to carry anything that looks like a weapon.
• Make sure that your kids costume(s): don’t drag on the ground, cannot be easily grabbed, and can’t get caught on things.
• Encourage your children to choose light coloured costumes or costumes with reflective strips. These costumes are easier for drivers to see.
• Consider face paint or make-up instead of a mask. A mask’s eyeholes can make it hard to see.
• Remind your kids to stay in well-lit areas and out of alleyways.

Tips for adults

• If you’re going out to celebrate, ensure you have a safe way to get home – public transit, taxi, or designated driver.
• If you see a suspected impaired driver, call 911 to report it as part of our Curb the Danger program.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!