Halloween safety tips
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Most parents with younger children are well aware that Halloween is almost upon us.
Others will be quickly reminded as the little ghosts, goblins and super heroes start appearing on the streets and at their doors. In any case, whether out with your child, at home, or on the road driving Elgin County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to pass along some safety tips to help keep everyone safe this Halloween.
TIPS FOR CHILDREN
See and be seen! Wear bright clothing, wear reflective tape and take a flashlight or glow sticks to help light you up and light your way.
Walk, don’t run! Plan your route in neighbourhoods you know and don’t approach homes that are in darkness. Use sidewalks; don’t cut across yards or driveways and walk, single file, facing traffic at the edge of the roadway when sidewalks aren’t available.
Don’t eat on the go! Wait until you get home and have a look at your treats with your parents before you start to eat them.
TIPS FOR PARENTS
Feed your children their favourite meal that night and give them seconds! Stuffed children won’t be as tempted to dig into their treats and eat them before they get home. Although tampering is rare, an inspection with your assistance is wise.
Do you know where your children are? Insist older children provide a route and timeline with an agreed upon finish time. A cell phone is an added bonus.
If you go along they’ll probably share some candy with you! Very young children should always be accompanied by an adult. Aunts, uncles, grandparents or trustworthy friends can step in if you can’t make it.
TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS
Trust me; your dog won’t like trick or treaters! Even normally friendly dogs can get a little testy with unidentified goblins taking things away from their house. Best to keep them away from the door or other paths the children might use.
Turn the lights on! Although lights seem to ruin the ambiance on such a ghoulish night, a little light can go a long way to keep children from tumbling off the front porch or having other potentially dangerous mishaps on your property.
Tidy up just a little! Car ramps, flower pots, hoses, wheel rims, lawn mowers and the like represent a hazard to children as they move from home to home. Take a few minutes to remove potential hazards.
If you use real candles, keep them clear of the trick or treaters! If you insist on using candles instead of bulbs don’t forget the fire hazard and especially remember to keep them distant from the children.
TIPS FOR DRIVERS
Slow down and watch for children! Drive like you are going through a community safety zone in front of a school. A child could dart out at any time.
If you drink don’t drive! Let’s keep everyone safe out there. If you are drinking then just stay home. Elgin County OPP will be running RIDE checks to apprehend those who don’t get the message.
Halloween safety
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County Detachment is encouraging parents and caregivers to remind children of safety rules for this upcoming Halloween.
Please take the time to review the following Halloween and traffic safety tips.
· Look both ways before crossing the street.
· Cross the street only at corners if possible.
· Don’t hide or cross the street between parked cars.
· Wear light coloured reflective-type clothing so you are visible.
· Plan your route and share it with your family.
· Go with an adult or someone older.
· Carry a flashlight to light your way.
· Only visit homes that have a porch light on.
· Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger’s house.
· Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes.
· Be cautious of animals and strangers.
· Have a grown-up inspect your treats before eating. Don’t eat any candy while out trick-or-treating, especially if the package is already opened.
Halloween isn't a night where just the young forget about potentially dangerous situations; many adults attend costume parties where alcohol is being served but fail to take the necessary precautions to get home safely.
“If you are attending a party with the intention to drink, please plan ahead, make arrangements to get a ride with a designated driver, taxi service or plan to stay overnight,” said Constable Ed Sanchuk, Norfolk County OPP, in a media release.