Police offer safety tips as kids head out for Halloween

Thunder Bay Police are reminding trick-or-treaters to stay safe before they hit the streets for Halloween.

Ahead of the spookiest night of the year, the force is sharing tips to ensure everyone stays safe and has fun.

Among the top rules for parents is to instruct kids to be extra careful before crossing streets and to watch for vehicles.

Parents should also ensure trick-or-treaters’ costumes are bright, fit well and can be clearly seen in the dark.

Trick-or-treaters should also carry a flashlight, stay close to well-lit areas and dress warmly.

Additionally, police advise children to trick-or-treat with people from their household or close social group and never trick-or-treat alone.

As well, children should never enter homes, particularly of strangers.

“I would recommend to all kids to make sure you are with an adult before you go inside,” says Constable Colin Brescacin, school resource officer with the Thunder Bay Police. “And if an adult is not around, I would just kindly say ‘no, thank you’ and not go inside.”

As for motorists, there are also several tips to keep in mind as costumed children scour the streets in the hunt for Halloween candy.

“The big tip I would give motorists ahead of Halloween is to just slow down,” says Brescacin. “Going a little bit slower just gives you that extra reaction time if someone pops out unexpectedly.”