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Make safety a priority this Halloween if trick or treating

But remember, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is discouraging children from door to door trick or treating this Halloween
BayToday Staff

As Halloween is Saturday, members of the OPP wish to remind all parents and children to practice safety precautions to make the evening a memorable one. Remember also, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is discouraging children from door to door trick or treating this Halloween.

See: Local Health Unit gives thumbs down to door-to-door trick-or-treating

"The Health Unit does not recommend door-to-door trick-or-treating or congregating with others outside of your household," said a news release Tuesday.

Also, note that the popular North Bay Fire Department's Halloween event has been cancelled this year.

According to the National Safety Council, motor vehicle collisions involving child pedestrians are more than twice as likely to occur on Halloween as on any other day of the year.

As far as weather, mainly cloudy with 30 per cent chance of showers this evening 

If you do decide to go out, here are some tips to help keep you safe.

Children and Parents: 

  • Carry a flashlight and select a costume with bright colours and reflective material to increase visibility to drivers.
  • Use makeup instead of masks. Masks can reduce one's ability to see obstacles, vehicles, and other people.
  • Avoid baggy, long, and oversized costumes that can be a tripping hazard.
  • Walk, don't run, and remember to stop, look and listen before crossing the street.
  • Never criss-cross the street. Cross at crosswalks or intersections. Call on one side of the street, then the other.
  • Never trick or treat alone, go with a buddy, in a group, or with an adult.
  • If trick or treating with friends tell your parents/guardians your route and when you will be home.
  • Stay in familiar neighbourhoods and only go to homes that are well lit and that are participating in Halloween.
  • Never go inside a stranger's house to get your treat.
  • Always have your treats checked by an adult before eating them.

Motorists: 

  • Drive slowly in residential areas where children are more likely to be trick or treating. Watch out for children, many of whom may be wearing costumes with masks that make it difficult for them to see. Children are excited; they may dart out in traffic. 
  • Remember that costumes can limit a child's vision and they may not be able to see your vehicle.
  • Reduce distractions and stay alert.
  • Remember to enter and exit driveways slowly and carefully. Proceed with caution.
  • Put down your phone for safety's sake!
  • Never drive while impaired!

''Ghosts, goblins, witches and superheroes will be flooding the streets in our communities this Halloween night. With the distraction of candy and costumes, safety rules can easily be forgotten. Whether you are helping prepare your child to enjoy their night with other trick-or-treaters, are a parent supervisor or a motorist, it is important to keep safety in mind'', says Inspector Michael Maville, Detachment Commander of the Nipissing West OPP.

For more information on Halloween safety visit: https://kidsintheknow.ca/pdfs/KIK_SafetyHabitsHalloween2019_en.pdf