Halloween is an exciting day where kids get to go out, dress up and get enough candy to cause them tummy-aches for weeks. Unfortunately it’s also a time when a few “goblins” go out and cause mischief. Help us help you, by taking these preventative measures, to make sure everyone has a safe and happy Halloween.
For the kids:
- Add some light-coloured elements to your costume to make you more visible. Even better, use reflective tape/materials to help you be seen.
- Use scary makeup/face paint instead of a mask so you can see properly.
- Walk around the house in your costume before you go out. Make sure there are no hems dragging or pieces trailing that can trip you. Wear comfortable (warm!) shoes and mittens if it’s cold.
- Carry a flashlight and wear a watch so you know when it’s time to head for home.
- Stay in familiar neighborhoods and well-lit streets. Stay on the sidewalk (not on the grass), 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.
- Go 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.
- Don’t go inside a stranger’s house. Instead, wait outside the door for treats.
- Save all treats until you get home so a parent or older sibling can check over all the treats to keep you safe. This is especially important if you have allergies.
- If you see someone in trouble, call for help. Get an adult or older sibling to call 9-1-1.
For the grown ups:
- If you’re driving the kids around, please drive slowly! Trick or Treaters will have something else on their minds and might not see you until it’s too late!
- Install outdoor lights and keep them on to give thieves less places to hide,
- Don’t leave your spare keys outside,
- Make sure your alarm system is turned on if you’re not at home,
- Park your cars in your driveway or garage and lock them,
- If you’re not at home, leave on some lights and the radio or TV,
- Keep pets away from the doorway. Fido might be frightened by all the ghouls and ghosts, or vice versa!
- Lock your garage and shed, and
- If you are giving out candy, don’t let anyone inside your home.
If your child is trick or treating:
- Make sure they eat supper before heading out.
- Make sure their costumes fit well and are visible at night.
- If the weather is frightful, make sure they are dressed properly and have gloves and warm clothes.
- 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 suspicious.
If you see a crime in progress (such as mischief, vandalism, assault, 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. On behalf of the Regina Police Service have a “Scary-good” and safe Halloween!