The Alberta RCMP is reminding parents and children to be safe this Halloween.
Whether ghosts and goblins are going from house to house trick-or-treating, driving to someone else's house to go to a party, or staying home to hand out candy, there are things that parents and kids can do to ensure everyone makes it home safe.
For kids:
- Wear bright-coloured costumes and use reflective tape or glow sticks to be more visible to drivers.
- Use a flashlight and stay in well-lit areas.
- Wear make-up instead of a mask. Masks can impair your vision and hearing. If you wear a mask, remove while walking from house to house and crossing streets.
- Always walk on sidewalks.
- Stay on one side of the street and only cross the street where safe to do so. Do not crisscross back and forth across roads or traffic.
- Stay on the doorstep or sidewalk. Never go inside the home or car of someone you don’t know.
- Travel in groups if you are unsupervised.
For adults:
- Keep porch lights, or external security lights, on.
- Keep doors clear and accessible. Avoid decorations that pose a tripping hazard.
- Do not invite children inside your home.
- Make sure to inspect your children’s candy for any signs of tampering or unwrapped items.
- Only pass out commercially wrapped candy and snacks.
- Keep pets indoors as they may be easily scared by children in costumes.
- If you are going to be attending a party this Halloween, do not drink and drive or take substances from people you don’t know and trust.
"We can all do our part to ensure the safety of each other," notes the release.