Young witches, princesses and monsters across Nova Scotia are excitedly anticipating the night of jack-o-lanterns, costumes and candy. The RCMP wants it to be a fun and safe evening for kids of all ages and is offering these tips to help keep trick-or-treaters safe.

Children:
•Never trick-or-treat alone. Always walk with an adult or a group of friends.
•Make sure you can be seen. Wear reflective, brightly 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 criss-cross 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.

Motorists:
•Halloween means there will be children on the streets. Drivers need to use extra caution. With the excitement of Halloween, children may forget simple pedestrian safety rules.
•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.

Homeowners
•Keep your home and doorway well lit. Clear sidewalks and pathways for safety.
•Avoid using open flames in any displays

Halloween is an exciting time of the year for kids. Let’s make it a safe one.

Source: Release