Halloween Safety Tips:
On Monday, October 31, officers will be out on foot, bicycles and vehicles conducting extra patrols on residential streets, in parks, plazas and schools, in an effort to reduce Halloween-related crime. By working together and following some easy safety tips we can ensure Halloween is fun for kids of all ages.

Before Halloween:
• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping

• Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility

• Because masks can limit vision, consider using non-toxic make-up instead

• Purchase costumes and accessories that are flame resistant

• Use flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts. This is also a good time to replace the batteries in home smoke detectors • Eliminate tripping hazards on your property

• Feed your children a good, healthy meal before they go out. This will discourage them from filling up on Halloween treats that have not yet been checked

During Trick or Treating:
• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their rounds

• Parents should know the route that older children are going to take

• Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going

• Remain on well-lit streets and always use sidewalks

• Never cut across yards. You may trip on shrubs

• Obey all traffic and pedestrian laws. Do not assume that drivers can see you

• If no sidewalk is available, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible

• Remove masks before crossing a street

• Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat

• Do not eat treats unless checked by an adult you trust

After Trick or Treating:
• Sort and check children’s candy upon their arrival home. Although tampering is rare, throw away any suspicious or unwrapped items.

Driving On Halloween Night: Be alert and watch for children on streets, alleys, crosswalks and driveways. Slow down while driving through residential areas, and be aware of the increased number of children walking in neighbourhoods. This is an exciting time for children and the potential for kids to dart out into traffic is heightened. Be extremely careful backing out of driveways and parking lots.

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