BC RCMP asks people to consider some safety tips for Halloween

Ahead of Halloween this Thursday, The Leader Spirit has compiled some advice on how to stay dry, warm, and safe while trick-or-treating.

1130 NewsRadio Meteorologist Michael Kuss says it will be dry through the morning, as a very weak ridge of high pressure builds, and that should last at least until after school hours.

But he says there’s a “disturbance sliding down the coast” which will bring in clouds in the evening and a small chance for some showers around the 6 to 9 p.m. window.

Kuss says sunset on Halloween will be around 5:50 p.m., and the temperature is expected to be 10 degrees between the 6 to 9 p.m. window, and the daily high is expected to be 12 degrees Celsius.

With Halloween just around the corner, police are asking British Columbians to take safety seriously when celebrating.

The B.C. RCMP has filed a helpful selection of tips on how to celebrate a spooky Halloween while being as safe as possible. Mounties collected tips on home safety, costume safety, street safety, treat safety, fireworks, and more.

Home safety:

The RCMP says it is important to make sure paths leading up to your door are free of any objects that could cause hazards for trick-or-treaters. Plus, Mounties are asking you to consider using glow sticks rather than candles inside your pumpkins to make sure your home is safe from fires.

Costume safety:

Mounties say choosing the right costume for your children is crucial. Wearing reflective bright costumes will help heighten visibility during nighttime while out in your neighbourhood.

“Glow sticks are also an excellent method to increase a child’s visibility,” Mounties added to the tip.

Officers say flame retardant materials are suggested for maximum safety, and also ask you to choose makeup over masks.

“Make sure your vision is not restricted….Masks may require that the eye-holes be cut larger for the sake of good peripheral vision,” Mounties said.

Mounties are also asking you to make sure any fake weapons like swords, knives and guns that are part of your costume look really fake because “some people still may not be able to tell the difference.”

How to be “street smart”:

Mounties say it’s important parents know what route their children are taking.

“If you are unable to take them out yourself, consider asking another parent, an older sibling or a babysitter to do the honours for you,” they said. “Ensuring your child is wearing a watch also allows you to establish an agreed upon curfew.”

They ask parents to teach children to recognise safe places like police stations, fire stations or other public spaces. Also, they say to stay on the sidewalks, remember not to jaywalk, and use crosswalks whenever possible.

The RCMP is also asking parents to remind children to “stop and check for cars before crossing the street,” discuss an emergency plan, walk in groups and never enter any house.

Treat safety:

Mounties say it is important to eat your treats after you get home.

“Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should check out all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.”

Fireworks:

RCMP is reminding residents that in B.C., fireworks are not allowed. It says fireworks are not “kids’ play,” and every Halloween “an influx of children and adults end up at hospital emergency rooms for firework-associated injuries.”

“Parents are urged to be alert to the many dangers posed to young people who are allowed to use fireworks at Hallowe’en,” Mounties said.

Some other tips that Mounties are urging include staying away from unknown animals, and for those with pets: “put them inside to protect them from cars or inadvertently biting a trick-or-treater.”

The RCMP also wants to remind people to drive safely, slow down, and look for pedestrians. It also says planning a ride home is helpful, adding, “Don’t drink and drive.”

“With extra patrols on local streets, you will get caught.”