It's one of kids' favourite times of the year, but the excitement, trick-or-treating and not to mention the sugar-high, means both kids and parents need to be more cautious on Halloween night, New Westminster police say.
New Westminster police are recommending some basic safety tips for parents and kids to go over before Monday's festivities.
- Children should be accompanied by an adult.
- Children should wear clothing that can easily be seen at night. Retro-reflective materials are best.
- Children should trick-or-treat in one well-known area and not wander into unknown neighborhoods.
- All candy should be inspected by an adult to make sure that no one has tampered with it. If it looks suspicious, the police should be contacted.
- Children should wear masks that do not interfere with vision. Better yet, they can avoid masks by wearing makeup.
- Children should watch for moving vehicles when crossing streets, and only cross at crosswalks or marked intersections.
- Costumes should be short enough that the child will not trip.
- Trick-or-treaters should dress appropriately for the weather and carry a flashlight.
- For extra safety, organize a Halloween party for children in your neighbourhood.
- Children should stay to one side of the street at a time. No criss-crossing across the roadway.
- Motorists need to be extra careful, especially when driving down streets with parked cars.
Parents, teachers and police school liaison officers can all play an important part in children's safety on Halloween night. Discuss some safety strategies with your child and have a fun Halloween.
