The Regina Police Service has some safety tips for citizens to promote a safe and spooky Halloween.
For the kids:
- Choose costumes and treat bags that are light-colored or use reflective tape/materials to make you more visible.
- Use scary makeup instead of a mask so you can see properly.
- Walk around the house in your costume before you go out. Make sure that it fits well and no pieces trip you up.
- Carry a flashlight, wear a watch, walk the route instead of running it, and remember to wear comfortable (warm!) shoes.
- Stay in familiar neighborhoods and well-lit streets. Stay on the sidewalk, cross at the crosswalk only, and look both ways before crossing the street.
- Have a planned route and travel in groups, accompanied by an adult or an older sibling.
- Stay away from pets you don’t know unless the owner is around and can help you approach the animal safely.
- Do Trick-or-Treating early in the evening (that’s when all the best candy is out!).
- Trick or Treat only at houses that have their outside lights on.
- Remember not to go inside the house, instead wait outside the door for treats.
- Remember to save all treats until you get home so a parent or older sibling can check over all the treats to keep you safe.
- If you have allergies, make sure to give any homemade treats to parents to check over and don’t eat them unless you know the ingredients.
- If you see someone in trouble, call for help. Get an adult or older sibling to call 9-1-1.
For the grown ups:
- Make sure your yard is clear of tripping hazards like ladders, hoses and extension cords
- Pets can get frightened with all the new visitors and costumes. Keep them inside to keep them, and the Trick or Treaters safe.
- If you are handing out candy, make sure your outside lights are on and there is a clear path to the door.
- Drive with extra caution and reduce speed on the evening of the 31st as there will be many excited ghosts and goblins running around who may not be paying attention.
- If you see a crime in progress (such as mischief, vandalism or theft from auto) please call 9-1-1. If you notice the results of a crime the morning after, please report it to our non-emergency line at 777-6500.
If your child is trick or treating:
- make sure they eat supper before heading out
- make sure their costume fits well and is visible at night
- talk to them about the route, when they should return home, and what to do in case of emergency.
- young children should be accompanied by an adult or older sibling
- although tampering is rare, check through your child’s treats and throw out anything that looks suspect.
On behalf of the RPS have a great and ghostly Halloween!