OPP release trick-or-treating safety tips ahead of Halloween

Halloween is almost here and OPP are out with a few tips to keep everyone safe.

Parents should make sure kids under the age of 10 are with an adult, and if they are older to travel with a group a friends–also make sure they have a flashlight and phone.

Kids should have some reflective tape on their costume to make it easier for motorists to see them.

Homeowners should sweep any wet leaves from your steps and sidewalks to avoid any children falling, also using battery operated candles is a safer alternative to light up your pumpkins.

Motorists are reminded that costumes can limit a child’s vision and they may not be able to see your vehicle, so use caution and drive slowly through residential areas.

List of Safety Tips:

For Parents:

• Ensure costumes fit properly. Avoid oversized shoes, high heels, long dresses and capes. This helps to prevent falls.
• Wear brightly coloured clothing and add reflective tape.
• Avoid using masks. Masks make it difficult for children to see what is around them – including cars. Use make-up instead.
• Provide children with a flashlight.
• Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult.
• Older children if trick or treating without parents should travel with a group of friends.
• Tell your children not to eat anything until the candy has been checked at home.
• Draw a map outlining the route they should follow and set a curfew. Provide a cell phone if one is available.

For Children and Youth:

• Carry a white bag or pillowcase for your candy, or add some reflective tape.
• Bring a cell phone in case you need to make an emergency phone call.
• Always travel in groups. Be sure there are at least 3 of you at all times.
• Don’t visit houses that are not well lit. Never go inside a stranger’s house.
• Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. If there’s no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road facing traffic. Don’t criss-cross back and forth across the street. Never cross between parked cars, always at crosswalks, street corners or intersections.
• Don’t eat your treats before you get home. When home, ask your parents to look through your treats with you to make sure everything is okay.

For Homeowners:

• Turn on outdoor lights and replace burnt-out bulbs.
• Remove items from your yard or porch that might trip a child.
• Sweep wet leaves from your steps and sidewalk.
• Use alternatives to candles in your pumpkins such as a flashlight or battery-operated candle. If you do use a candle, never leave it unattended.

For Drivers:

• Drive slowly in residential areas where children are more like to be trick or treating.
• Watch out for children, many of whom may be wearing costumes with masks that make it difficult for them to see. Children are excited; they may dart out in traffic.
• Remember that costumes can limit a child’s vision and they may not be able to see your vehicle.
• Reduce your distractions and stay alert.
• Remember to enter and exit driveways slowly and carefully. Proceed with caution.
• Never Drink and Drive!