WESTLOCK – With the first post-pandemic Halloween right around the corner, Westlock RCMP are endorsing a handful of tips to ensure all trick-or-treaters and their parents, who may be out of practice after two years of lockdowns, enjoy a safe and fun night.
Westlock RCMP Cpl. Riley Sutherland said they try to keep as many members as possible on the road Oct. 31 to “ensure the safety of the children” and will also be handing out ‘positive tickets’, a “pro-active policing” program that sees kids rewarded when RCMP see them doing things like wearing their bike helmets or following the rules of the road.
“And hopefully we’ll be able to hand out some more of those positive tickets that night,” she said.
Sutherland wholeheartedly endorsed a recent RCMP and Enforcement Services list of Halloween tips, ranging from wearing bright-coloured costumes and using reflective tape or glow sticks, to using a flashlight and staying in well-lit areas. RCMP also recommend wearing make-up instead of a mask as they can impair vision and hearing — if you wear a mask, remove it while walking from house to house and crossing streets.
Sutherland specifically noted that trick-or-treaters should always walk on sidewalks and on one side of the street, instead of criss-crossing back and forth. Having a trusted adult with the kids on their journey is recommended and always travel in groups if a guardian is unavailable.
Kids should never go inside the home or car of someone they don’t know, always stay on the doorstep or sidewalk and ensure a guardian checks their bounty before they’ve eaten.
Meanwhile, homeowners handing out treats should keep their porch lights or external security lights on, their doors clear and accessible and avoid decorations that are flammable or can pose a tripping hazard. Also, never invite kids inside your home and only pass out commercially-wrapped candy and snacks. Sutherland also notes to keep pets indoors and secured as they may be easily scared by kids in costumes.
“Pets should also be kept well away from the doors and certainly kids should stay away from the pets unless they’ve talked to the owner beforehand,” she added.
Haunted house at the RSC
For parents and kids looking to stay out of the weather, and some extra candy, the Town of Westlock will be hosting a Haunted House open to all ages from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Rotary Spirit Centre.
