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Halloween’s meant to be a night of good, spooky, fun collecting candy dressed up in your favourite costume, but you can never be too careful when trick-or-treating as the sun sets.
Tina Hunt, Constable with the Renfrew OPP says drivers need to keep their eyes peeled for more pedestrians than usual on Halloween night.
Pedestrians can play it safe as well. Cross at designated and well lit crossings, wear bright coloured costumes, add lights, or reflective tape. Always ensure you’re looking both ways before crossing the street.
Masks are an essential part of Halloween and trick-or-treating, but that can come with risks in itself. When it comes to children wearing masks, make sure they can see well, so they can walk safely and keep an eye out for vehicles.
Masked strangers can also be a risk as well. Make sure you know the people you or your child are trick-or-treating with and make sure they understand what to do if they’re approached by someone they don’t know.
Once the trick-or-treating comes to an end, you might want to head home and dig in to your haul of goodies. Chocolate, toffee, chips, and more! But there’s still one more step you’ll want to do.
Constable Hunt says, double check your children’s candy. Ensure everything looks normal, factory sealed, not resealed. Cut items in half to make sure no foreign objects have been inserted into the candy.
Once the chocolate has been eaten, you might think that’s the end of the night, but Halloween parties usually continue late into the night and even early morning. When you plan on attending a party, Constable Hunt says it’s best to plan your ride home ahead of time, if you plan on drinking alcohol or partaking in recreational drugs.
If you ever have any concerns, anything non-emergency can be directed to the OPP’s non-emergency number, 1-888-310-1122 or the Renfrew OPP detachment directly 613-432-3211. Emergencies, always call 911 to get immediate help.
A fun Halloween is a safe Halloween!
(Written by: Bob Kubbinga)
