(ESSEX COUNTY, ON) – First and foremost Essex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) encourages families to follow public health advice and measures from public health experts to help guide your decision for a safe and healthy Halloween.

If your child does head out for the annual trick-or-treating tradition, Essex County OPP has the following safety tips and suggestions for you.

Halloween is one of our favourite traditions, however with the added excitement and distractions of candy and costumes, safety rules may be forgotten. As such Essex County OPP would like to pass on the following safety tips to children, parents and motorists.

·        Be Safe, Be Seen! Wear a reflective band, glow stick, use a flashlight and add reflective tape to your treat bag and costume.

·        Small children should not go out alone. Try to go out when it is light out and young children should always be with a responsible adult.

·        For the older ones, plan your route before you leave your house and ensure your parents know where you are going. Take a cell phone with you.

·        Only go to homes that are well lit. There are some families not participating in Halloween so if the home is in darkness pass it by.

·        Walk on the sidewalk whenever it is possible. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road facing traffic. It’s unsafe to cross between parked cars and other obstacles. Do one side of the street before moving over to the other.

·        Always look both ways for traffic before crossing the street.

·        Avoid eating unwrapped candy and homemade treats from strangers.

·        Home owners participating in Halloween trick-or-treating should make sure their home is well lit. Pick up any obstructions such as garden hoses, bicycles, tools or other obstructions that pose a hazard.

·        If you see suspicious activity or a crime in progress please contact police.

Motorists need to drive slow and be alert, especially in built up areas where children may be. During the excitement of trick or treating, children may dart out in front of traffic. Drivers should also be extra careful when entering and exiting driveways.

Essex County OPP will be providing highly visible patrols throughout Essex County in an effort to keep things safe on Halloween night. If you head out trick-or-treating please don’t forget these tips to stay safe and healthy.

“Halloween is an exciting time for young people and we ask all motorists to remain vigilant and attentive on Halloween. We encourage a parent or guardian to accompany their children and enjoy this evening with them and as stated enjoy the treats only when inspected first by a parent. Members of the OPP, accompanied by our large contingent of Essex County OPP Auxiliary members will be throughout the County helping to ensure a memorable and fun evening” – Essex County OPP Detachment Commander, Inspector Glenn Miller.

Image by Ana Krach from Pixabay