The Prince George RCMP are urging trick or treaters, homeowners and drivers to follow the following tips to help ensure the safety of those participating in the tradition.
For trick or treaters:
- Do not trick or treat alone. Children should be accompanied by an adult and teenagers should travel in small groups;
- Stay in your neighbourhood or houses that you know;
- Wear bright clothing, use reflectors and flashlights whenever possible. Remember that drivers may not be able to see you;
- Do not go to houses that have their lights out;
- Do not go inside a house or vehicle of someone that you do not know;
- Wear make-up instead of a mask. You will be able to see better. If you have to wear a mask, make sure the eye holes are big enough to offer the best range of vision;
- Use the side walk;
- Use crosswalks. Do not zig zag across the street. Trick or treat along one side of the street, cross at a crosswalk and then come back the other side of the street;
- Be respectful of property. Do not cut across lawns or gardens. Use pathways and driveways;
- Do not eat any of your treats before you get home. When you get home, have your parents check all the candy and fruit to ensure they are safe to eat;
- Wear good shoes, such as runners, so that you are less likely to trip and that provide comfort;
- Always be aware of a safe place to go if you need help;
- Start trick or treating early and finish early;
- Never go into alleys, parking lots, wooded areas or vacant lots;
- Don't go near any animals, such as dogs, that you don't know;
- Stay away from anyone playing with or using fireworks - these are dangerous!
For homeowners:
- Please keep well lit and clear path to your door. Keep in mind that 'Trick or Treaters' may be wearing masks with poor visibility and may have trouble negotiating around decorations;
- Keep pets indoors. This is for the safety of the pets and the safety of the children;
- Avoid using candles in 'Jack o Lanterns'. A 'glow stick' will provide an eerie effect without the added risk of fire. Glow sticks are available at many retailers.
The Prince George RCMP Cpl. Craig Douglass said police will be maintaining high visibility on Halloween in order to ensure public safety, especially during 'trick or treating' hours.
"Officers will have a zero tolerance approach to alcohol fueled situations that jeopardize personal safety, property or public peace," he said.
Halloween is traditionally one of the busiest nights of the year for the 911 call centre, receiving up to three times the normal call volume, Douglass added.
"Despite this, the Prince George RCMP are asking the public to report criminal or suspicious behavior," Douglass said. "Both investigators and 911 operators are asking those persons that wish to make a report, do so as soon as possible. Timely reports are more likely to have successful investigations."
For non-emergencies, call 250-561-3300.
