Halloween is only fun if it’s safe

By KENDALL KING on October 29, 2022.

The Medicine Hat Police Service is sharing tips to help Hatters stay safe while having fun this Halloween.

“For the young children who are going out trick-or-treating, we want to see them being out with a parent or a trusted adult and staying with that adult as they do their trick-or-treating,” Sgt. Adam Gregory of MHPS Community Support Unit, told the News. “And I’d love to see those adults attending up to each door with the children. Being present at those doors and seeing any kind of interactions is a huge key to safety.”

Gregory also encourages trick-or-treaters of all ages to travel in groups and stay in neighbourhoods with which everyone is familiar. Prior to setting out for the evening, Gregory recommends the group decide on a muster point to meet if anyone gets separated, or ensure they have a reliable form of communication in the event of such.

“I also want people to dress appropriately for the weather and for the circumstances around them,” said Gregory. “So (I encourage them to) dress in warm clothing (and) make their costumes more visible through reflective markings (or) anything that helps increases the safety of them.”

As well, Gregory recommends bringing a flashlight, but recommends only going up to houses that are well-lit. And reminds Hatters to never enter a stranger’s house.

At the end of the night, he asks adults to inspect all Halloween candy and throw out any found to be unwrapped or unsealed.

Anyone planning on handing out candy is reminded to keep their house well lit. And if using candles for lighting, to place them a safe distance away from where costumed individuals would be walking. Gregory also recommends pets be kept securely inside.

Gregory asks drivers to use extra caution on Halloween, by adhering to all rules of the road, slowing down and actively watching for pedestrians.

And he reminds individuals who are drinking to not drive, but instead rely on another form of transportation, such as a cab or a designated driver.