Halloween Safety Tips from the Woodstock Police Service

Monday, 31 October 2022 05:55

By Brad Kraemer

It's Halloween and the Woodstock Police Service has a few tips to make sure everyone has a safe and fun time.

WOODSTOCK - Calling all ghosts, goblins and ghouls!

It's Halloween, which means you might get more than a few scary knocks on your door.

We spoke with Community Service Officer Shaylyn Jackson about how the trick-or-treaters can stay safe this year, and she had tips for parents, kids, homeowners, and motorists.

"We want to ensure that motorists are cautious and mindful of keeping an eye out for children who are going to be walking around Halloween night trick or treating. It's a busy night with pedestrians, so it's really important that motorists are keeping an eye out, especially on busier roadways."

As for the children themselves, Jackson said to make sure that you're looking both ways and following the regular pedestrian rules of thumb. Make sure there aren't any vehicles coming, and only cross roads at intersections and other appropriate places.

Jackson has plenty of tips for parents, including always checking their child's candy.

"Unfortunately, candy has been tampered with in the past and the last thing we want to see is a kid get hurt or get sick because candy has been tampered with and the candy wasn't checked beforehand by an adult."

Also, Jackson wants to ensure that parents are considerate of what their children are wearing. If they're wearing a mask, it can cause difficulties for children to see when they're walking around, especially when it's dark outside. It may be a better idea to use face paint instead.

Wearing bright or reflective colours can also help trick-or-treaters stay visible to friends, family and crucially, drivers, when it gets dark.

Lastly, it is important for people to keep in mind children's safety as they're approaching homes.

Decorations or electrical cords in their front yard can cause tripping hazards, and it's also a good alternative to use battery-operated candles instead of open flames. Especially with kids wearing things like wings and capes that could potentially catch fire.

Jackson says the best thing that homeowners can do if they're willing, is to actually meet the kids outside or have a space that's easily accessible.

Halloween is one of the most fun days of the year, and on behalf of the Woodstock Police Service, Jackson wants the Friendly City to work together and abide by these tips to keep the kids safe.

Constable Jackson stopped by the Heart FM studio this morning and you can listen to the full interview below: