Police Advice on Trick or Treating

To ensure that everyone has a safe and fun Halloween, it is essential that not only the “ghosts and goblins” know what to do, but also their parents and the motorists that may be driving while the young ones are out going door to door.

Tips for Motorists:

During Devils Night and Halloween…if you witness any suspicious behaviour by persons, call police immediately.

Drive slower, and be alert, especially in built up areas where children may be walking. During the excitement of trick or treating, children may dart out from between parked cars.

Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.

Enter and exit driveways and alleyways carefully.

Tips for Parents:

Before children go trick or treating, make sure that they have eaten a meal. Tell children to wait until they come home before they start eating their treats. Inspect candy by looking for wrappers that have been tampered with, pin holes in packages and loose or torn packaging. If you are suspicious, throw the treat away. Although homemade caramel popcorn balls, cookies, candy and apples are nice and usually well intended by the giver, they can also be dangerous. Dispose of them unless you know and trust who gave them to you.

It is recommended that a parent or responsible adult always accompany small children, even when in a group.

If older children are going out without the company of a parent or responsible adult, know their planned route and which friends is trick or treating with them. Make sure your child is old enough and responsible enough to go out on their own. Instruct them to stay together and only trick or treat in familiar areas. Establish when they are coming home.

Review the safety rules relating to traffic and strangers.

Provide your child with a flashlight or glow stick. Costume should be light or bright in colour and have reflective strips attached.

When you plan to greet trick or treaters at your door, make sure the area is well lit. Pick up any obstructions such as garden hoses, bicycles, tools or other obstructions that pose a hazard. Clean wet leaves from your sidewalks.

Pumpkins with candles should be placed in a safe location. Try the new flameless candles.

Costumes should include face paint or makeup that does not restrict the child’s sight instead of a mask. Children need to be able to see hazards around them.

Make sure that the costume is not too long so that the child does not trip on the fabric. No oversized shoes or high heels.

Ensure that the costume is fire retardant. Some home owners like to put out jack-o-lanterns illuminated using lit candles near the front door.

If the costume includes a sword, knife or other “prop”, make sure that they are made out of cardboard and not the real thing or rigid material. Should the child fall, the object could pierce them.

Tips for Children:

Older children, plan a safe route for you and your friends to follow while going door to door. Make sure you get home by the agreed time. Make sure you are trick or treating in a group.

Trick or treat only in neighbourhoods you know. Only go to homes that are well lit. If the home is in darkness, pass it by.

Do not go into homes or apartments even if you are invited.

Do not talk to strangers on the street or go into cars while out trick or treating.

Do not run from door to door and don’t cut across front lawns. There may be objects like a hose, rake or other obstruction you may trip over in the darkness.

Obey the safety rules when crossing the street. Only cross in well lit areas.

Do not snack on your treats while trick or treating. Take all of your Halloween loot home and have your parents inspect it.

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