Celebrate Halloween safely with tips from the Edmonton Police Service

Halloween is an exciting time of year for kids of all ages – ghosts and goblins take over the streets of Edmonton to collect treats and celebrate with family and friends.

This year, the Edmonton Police Service and the Office of Traffic Safety are giving away, “See Me” reflective tags that can be worn on jacket zippers, backpacks or a Halloween costume. Limited quantities are available for free at your local divisional police station.

Keep trick-or-treaters safe this Halloween with these tips from the Edmonton Police Service for parents, kids, motorists and homeowners:

Safety tips for parent and kids

• Kids should trick-or-treat in groups or with parents/guardians. If older kids go alone, designate areas for them to stay within, and set a time limit.
• Walk on well-lit streets and avoid alleys or dark areas. Kids shouldn’t go to houses that don’t have lights on, or that don’t look safe.
• Trick-or-treat on one side of the street, and then cross to the other. Never crisscross the street. 
• Carry a flashlight and cell phone in case of emergency. Leave valuables at home.
• Don’t carry anything that looks like a weapon.
• Ensure that you can see through a mask or makeup. Avoid long capes that can be easily tripped over. Make sure kids are dressed for the weather.
• Encourage your children to choose light-coloured costumes or costumes with reflective strips.  These costumes are easier for drivers to see.
• Check the candy your child brings home – throw out anything that is opened, suspicious, or home-made by someone you don’t know and trust.
• Warn your kids about participating in any vandalism or other mischief; these are crimes that will be investigated and charges could be laid.

Homeowners

• Turn on your porch light to let children know they’re welcome (or vice versa).
• Remove obstacles from yards and clear a path to the doorway.
• If you’re using candles in a jack-o-lantern, make sure the flames can’t come into contact with a child’s costume. Battery-powered lights are a safer alternative.

Driving responsibly

• Be extra vigilant driving in neighbourhoods with more children dressed up in costumes collecting treats.
• Adults enjoying the festivities with alcoholic beverages should have a designated driver or arrange a safe way to get home like taking public transit or a taxi.
• If you see a suspected impaired driver, call 911 to Curb the Danger.

Happy Halloween from the Edmonton Police Service!

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/2eMnQya