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By Roger White

TRICK or TREAT

RCMP hoping for more treats than tricks on Halloween

Oct 31, 2023 | 6:56 AM

As little ghosts and goblins get set for trick or treating Tuesday night, Battlefords RCMP are encouraging everyone to take extra precautions so that everyone has a safe and happy Halloween.

Staff Sgt. Kyle Palfy told battlefordsNOW that parents should have an open dialogue with their children about Halloween safety.

“Tonight is all about the kids and having fun but all that fun can quickly turn to tragedy if basic safety rules are not followed,” said Palfy. “The onus is on everyone and that includes kids, parents, motorists and even homeowners who are expecting trick-or-treaters.”

Sgt. Palfy shared his list of do’s and don’ts for youngsters tonight:

-Never trick-or-treat alone. Always walk with an adult or a group of friends.

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-Make sure you can be seen. Wear reflective, bright-coloured costumes, or fasten reflective tape to your costume or bag. Avoid masks that restrict your vision.

-Only visit well-lit houses.

-Don’t go into the house for your treats; always wait outside.

-Don’t eat any treats until an adult has inspected them.

-Carry a flashlight so you can see where you are going.

-Don’t crisscross the street or run out from between parked cars. Always go down one side of the street, cross at the corner, and then go down the other side.

-Watch for cars pulling out of driveways and backing up.

-Watch for open flames from jack-o-lanterns and displays.

-Don’t trample through gardens or bushes. Always use pathways and sidewalks.

Palfy also reiterated to motorists travelling the streets to exercise extra caution tonight.

“We know that sometimes with the excitement of Halloween, little ones can forget even the simplist pedestrian safety rules,” he added. So as adults behind the wheel, we need to pay attention to keep everyone safe as well.”

He reminded motorists to drive slowly in residential areas where children are more likely to be trick-or-treating. Reduce your speed and stay alert. Slow down and proceed with caution when entering and exiting driveways or backing up.

Battleford residents eagerly awaiting the little ones in their costumes can also take a few small preventative steps to ensure no mishaps occur on their property such as keeping their home and doorway well-lit and making sure the sidewalks and pathways are clear.

Palfy noted that members of the local RCMP will be out in full force in the community tonight keeping a watchful lookout for any shenanigans.

“If everyone does their part tonight, Halloween 2023 will be mishap-free and there will be more treats than tricks and we will all have a great deal of fun.”

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roger.white@pattisonmedia.com