By CHAT News Today

Police remind Hatters to stay safe on Halloween

Oct 31, 2018 | 10:40 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The Medicine Hat Police Service is reminding all Hatters to do their part to stay safe on Halloween tonight.

With children and families heading out to trick-or-treat this evening, the police service says there are several tips they need to follow to ensure the night remains safe and fun.

Police says children should trick or treat in groups in a familiar neighbourhood, and younger children should be accompanied by a trusted adult who accompanies them to the door of every home they visit.

Children should also be dressed for the weather and parents should ensure their costumes are easily visible in the dark. Bright colours and reflective tape are helpful, police say, adding masks with limited visibility should also be avoided and facepaint should be used instead.

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Road safety is also important. Parents should remind children of road safety rules, such as looking both ways before crossing the street. Trick or treaters should stay on the side of the street and cross over at the end of the block, and avoid criss-crossing the street.

Parents should also carry a flashlight for extra visibility and only visit homes where lights are on. Children should also be reminded to never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle. Homeowners should ensure their exterior lights are on so children can find the front door, and keep flammable items, such as candles out of the reach of children. Pets should also be secured, as they could become frightened by the number of visitors to a home through the evening.

When trick-or-treating is finished, parents are reminded to inspect everything received and throw away any unwrapped or unsealed items.

Adults are also reminded to plan ahead if they decide to go out and celebrate, and ensure they have a safe ride home and not drink and drive. Motorists are also reminded to slow down due to the extra pedestrian traffic on the road tonight.