Whether hoping to get the party startled or wanting to be mummy of the year, here are tips from the B.C. RCMP for everyone to consider when it comes to having a spooktacular but safe Halloween.
1. When choosing costumes, "safety should be top of mind"
Visibility is important at Halloween, especially since it involves a lot of running back and forth from house to house in the dark. RCMP suggests wearing light-coloured or bright costumes, but another great option is to use reflective tape or arm bands. Glow sticks or flashlights are also handy!
Other considerations that will come in 'candy': wear costumes and shoes that are properly fitted to reduce chances of tripping and ensure costumes with masks have good peripheral vision. Does a costume involve fake swords, knives and guns? Make sure they look fake and that any sharp tips are cut or filed round.
2. Give kids the 'street smart' talk before they go out
Emergencies can happen, so it's good to be prepared. Teach children to recognize places along their route where they can obtain help, including well-indicated public places like the police station or fire station. Also, consider having a plan in place for how children can phone home if needed.
Other tips to get across to children: don't jaywalk, walk in groups and stay together, check for cars before crossing the street, and never enter a house; only accept treats at the front door.
3. Party safely
Sometimes ghouls just wanna have fun, but that doesn't mean they can't do so conscientiously. B.C. RCMP says to plan your ride home and to drink responsibly. "With extra patrols on local streets, you will get caught," the RCMP says.
4. Bring treats home before eating
Before goblin up candy all night, it's best to wait until home before sampling treats. Tampering is rare, says B.C. RCMP, but a responsible adult should check all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items. It's also important to check labels; consider this rare incident reported in Maple Ridge in 2022 where a child.
Armed with these tips, you'll be the ghostest with the mostest. Now go out there and get this party startled!