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By Chris Brown

For kids and adults

Halloween safety tips from MHPS

Oct 30, 2020 | 10:12 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Medicine Hat police want to make sure Halloween is safe for everyone, from kids trick-or-treating to those handing out the goods at home.

Being Halloween is on a Saturday, Sgt. Darlene Garrecht expects this year to be busy.

“This year is a little bit different from past years and I think kids are going to be excited to get out and have some normalcy. They’re going to be excited and kids don’t always think before they cross the street and run out. So we’re asking drivers to really slow down and pay attention,” she said.

MHPS is asking homeowners to follow some simple safety tips on Oct. 31.

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• Children should trick or treat in groups in a familiar neighbourhood. Younger children should be accompanied by a trusted adult who accompanies them to the door of every home they approach.
• Review road safety rules, such as looking both ways before crossing the road and create a specific route for children to follow. Stay on side of the street and then cross over at the end of the block. Avoid crisscrossing the street.
• Carry a flashlight for extra visibility and only visit homes where the lights have been turned on. Remind children to never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle.
• Ensure children are dressed for the weather and that their costumes are easily visible by incorporating bright colours and reflective tape. Avoid masks with limited visibility or use face paint instead.
• Inspect all candy received and throw away any unwrapped or unsealed items.
• Homeowners, turn on your home’s exterior lights so children can easily find the front door. Keep candles or other flammable items out of the reach of children.
• Secure pets for the evening as they may become frightened with all the unfamiliar visitors to your home.
• For the adults – if you have plans to go out to celebrate, don’t drink and drive, plan ahead to ensure you have a safe ride home.

Sgt. Garrecht also reminds adults to plan ahead and to not drink and drive if taking in festivities.

For tips additional tips on how to celebrate Halloween safely without fear of spreading COVID-19 visit: https://www.alberta.ca/halloween-during-covid19.aspx. Included on the website are downloadable posters to let trick-or-treaters know if your household is participating this year.