(HURON COUNTY, ON) – An exciting Halloween safety initiative will take place in Huron County tonight. Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with community partners from Victim Services of Huron County and the Coalition for Huron Injury Prevention (C.H.I.P) are once again bringing “Project Safe Halloween†to Huron County. “Project Safe Halloween†was launched last year in Huron County and was considered a resounding success. This year the safety initiative has expanded to five schools from four in 2013.
The C.H.I.P committee has been able to raise funds to purchase a highly reflective arm bands for each student that attends the following elementary schools (Maitland River Elementary School, Northwoods Elementary, Howick Elementary, Hullett Central Public School and Sacred Heart Wingham.
In addition to distributing the reflective “arm bands†to each student, every student will also receive a Halloween themed activity & Halloween Safety tip sheet for the children to take home to their parents. Huron OPP will also be providing Halloween Safety presentations at the schools.
Parents and children are reminded of some simple safety tips for trick or treating:
Be Safe, BeSeen! Wear a reflective band, glow stick, use a flashlight, and add reflective tape to your treat bag and costume.
Always travel in groups, make sure there are at least two or more people with you at all times.
Plan your route before you leave your house and ensure your parents know where you are going. Take a cell phone with you.
Don’t visit a home that is not well lit up, and NEVER go inside a stranger’s home.
Walk on the sidewalk whenever it is possible. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road facing traffic.
Always look both ways for traffic before crossing the street.
Do not criss-cross back and forth across the street. Work your way down one side of the street, then start on the other.
Avoid eating unwrapped candy and homemade treats from strangers.
Huron OPP officers will be closely watching vehicle speeds, seatbelt use, distracted driving and sober driving. Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E) programs will be stationed throughout the county this evening.
If you are driving tonight be prepared for that child that may dart out in front of your vehicle. Be extra cautious and devote your full attention to driving safely so everyone can have a safe and happy Halloween.