Halloween safety tips from Ponoka’s Community Peace Officer

With Oct. 31 only a few days away, the Town of Ponoka’s Community Peace Officer would like to remind trick-or-treaters, parents or guardians, homeowners and motorists of a few tips that can help make Halloween safe and fun for everyone.

Motorists:

• Take extra caution and slow down along Town roadways;

• Be especially alert in residential neighbourhoods;

• Take additional time to look for children at intersections, on medians and curbs;

• Enter and exit driveways and back alleys slowly and carefully;

• Turn your headlights on to spot children from greater distances; • Watch carefully for people using pedestrian crossings; and

• Avoid in-vehicle distractions, such as cell phones and loud music. Homeowners:

• Turn on your porch light to let children know they’re welcome;

• Remove obstacles, such as lawn ornaments and gardening tools from yards;

• Place decorations out of the way to avoid tripping hazards; and

• Use battery-powered lights instead of candles in jack-o’-lanterns to avoid any fire hazards.

Parents and guardians:

• A bright costume with reflector tape will make children more visible to drivers;

• An adult should accompany children; • Parents/guardians should help their kids plan a route and set a time to be home;

• Remind children not to enter the home; and

• An adult should inspect the candy to make sure it is safe for consumption. Trick-or-treaters:

• Avoid walking on the road. Please walk on sidewalks and/or pathways;

• Only cross the street at intersections using crosswalks or traffic signals. Please look both directions before crossing the street;

• Exercise extra caution around motorists along roadways and in parking lots;

• Be aware of your surroundings;

• Try to trick-or-treat while it’s still light out or stay in well-lit areas;

• Use a flashlight for additional safety and increased visibility;

• Do not accept rides from strangers; and

• Travel in groups.

For more Halloween safety tips, please visit the Government of Canada website at www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/home-safety/halloween-safety.html