Halloween is almost here and Chatham-Kent (CK) police are reminding the public to be safe this All Hallows' Eve.
CK police are asking drivers to slow down for trick-or-treaters crossing the road on Saturday night. Police encourage drivers to stay alert and carefully watch for excited children crossing the road.
"Kids can be unpredictable, and they may be difficult to see in the dark. Take extra care in residential neighbourhoods and always be prepared to stop," said CK police.
They're also asking parents and guardians to help their little ones be more visible to drivers by adding glow sticks, flashlights, or reflective arm bands to their costumes.
Reminding children to use crosswalks, look both ways, and cross only when it’s safe are also good ideas, said police.
CK police will have Halloween Safety Tables on Friday and Saturday to grab a free reflective arm band and some more safety tips.
CK police will be at the following locations:
Friday
9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Chatham YMCA at 101 Courthouse Lane in Chatham
Friday
4 p.m.-6 p.m.
The Maples Retirement “Trunk or Treat” Event at 555 Bloomfield Road in Chatham
Saturday
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Wallaceburg BIA Halloween Event at the downtown library parking lot
"Let’s work together to keep Halloween fun, spooky, and safe for everyone in Chatham-Kent," said CK police. "Slow down. Be alert. Be seen."
Meanwhile, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are also encouraging trick-or-treaters to be seen this Halloween.
The OPP said they want to ensure that everyone remains safe while collecting treats out in the community.
They advise trick-or-treaters to look both ways before crossing the road, always stay with a group or trusted adult during the evening, and never enter a stranger's home or garage.
The OPP also ask drivers to watch for children unexpectedly crossing between parked vehicles, keep their eyes on the road, and use headlights early to improve visibility at dusk and after dark.
Older children should plan their trick-or-treating route in advance and ensure a parent or guardian knows where they will be and when they expect to return home, noted the OPP.
Walking on sidewalks whenever possible is always a good rule and if there is no sidewalk, stick to the side of the road facing traffic, the OPP added.
According to the OPP, parents should inspect candy and discard any unwrapped candy or homemade treats from strangers.
And finally, adults headed to Halloween parties this weekend are reminded to not drive impaired.
