Halloween Safety Tips for Oxford Residents

Thursday, 31 October 2024 09:44

The Oxford OPP and the Woodstock Police Service have some tips to make sure everyone has a safe and fun Halloween.

OXFORD COUNTY - Halloween has arrived in Oxford County!

Lots of kids will be hitting the streets in their costumes tonight knocking on doors for Halloween candy, so officers with the Oxford OPP and Woodstock Police Service will be out and about to make sure everyone is having a safe and fun time.

Randi Crawford, the Community Safety and Media Relations Constable with the Oxford OPP, has this message for everyone.

"Be alert! There are going to be lots of different kids and family members out there having a great time trick-or-treating. Traffic safety is everyone's responsibility, so just be alert and everyone should be safe."

Trick-or-treaters should wear reflective clothing and have a glow stick or flashlight with them so they are visible. They should be careful with long costumes because they could be a tripping hazard, and police recommend using face paint instead of a mask because masks can obstruct your vision.

Halloween can be a busy night for families, and Constable Crawford says everyone should be aware of their surroundings at all times, including parents.

"Parents or guardians that are taking trick-or-treaters around, make sure you are alert and make sure you know where all of your kids are. If you are driving around, make sure you are being alert for not just the kids on the road but also the kids on the sidewalk."

Older kids trick-or-treating without an adult should stay in groups and in familiar areas of town. Their parents should know exactly where they are going and set a curfew for them to be home later.

Inspector Heidi Becks with the Woodstock Police Service says trick-or-treaters of all ages should be on their best behaviour tonight.

"Be respectful of the properties and the homeowners that you are going up to see. We ask that you take your time, stick to one side of the road before you cross it, and only approach the houses that have their lights on and look like they are participating."

Participating homeowners should make sure there are no tripping hazards on their property. They should also make sure any pets they have are safe and secure for the night.

Once the night is said and done, Inspector Becks says parents should check their kid's candy to make sure there is nothing suspicious.

"As you end your night and you get home, as a parent you should make sure you give a once over to your kid's candy. Have a look to make sure there is nothing that has the wrappers ripped or torn or looks like it could have been tampered with."

With this being said, kids should wait until their parents check their candy before they consume any of it.

The Woodstock Police Service, the Oxford OPP, and 104.7 Heart FM would like to wish everyone a Happy Halloween!