Tonight is Halloween, and that means trick or treaters across Central Alberta will be out in full force filling their pillow cases and plastic pumpkins with all kinds of candy. It also means more kids out on the streets and a need for traffic safety.

Here are some tips from the RCMP for both trick or treaters and homeowners.

Tips for trick-or-treaters:

  • 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. Safely cross the street to the houses on the other side. Do not crisscross back-and-forth.
  • Stay on the doorstep or sidewalk. Never go inside the home or car of someone you don’t know.
  • Have your guardian check your treats before eating them.
  • Be accompanied by a trusted adult.
  • Travel in groups if you are unsupervised.

 

Tips for homeowners:

  • Keep porch lights or external security lights on.
  • Keep doors clear and accessible and avoid decorations that are flammable or pose a tripping hazard.
  • Don’t invite children inside your home.
  • Only pass out commercially wrapped candy and snacks.
  • Keep pets indoors as they may be easily scared by children in costumes.