Stay safe this Halloween with these helpful tips

The time for trick-or-treating is almost upon us. Here are some tips courtesy of the Edmonton Police Service on how to make sure you and your favourite little monsters (or princesses or Ninja Turtles) stay safe.

Tips for trick-or-treaters:

• Collect candy in a group – younger children should head out with a parent, guardian or older sibling, while older kids should harvest candy with friends while staying inside a designated neighbourhood.
• Avoid dark and spooky places – don't bother with houses that have no lights on or jack-o-lanterns out. They probably won't give you candy, anyways. Same goes for dark alleys and parks.
• Don't jaywalk – hit every house on one side of the street before you cross over to case the candy on the other side.
• Skip the finicky mask, makeup and cape – avoid wearing anything that impedes your vision or can trip you up.
• DO carry a flashlight and cell phone, and consider adding a reflective strip to your costume
• DON'T carry anything that looks like a weapon or any valuables
• Dump it all out – look through your stash when you get home and throw away anything that's already been opened, looks suspicious or wasn't made by someone you know

Tips for candy-givers

• Turn on your porch light, carve up a pumpkin or set up some decorations so kids know you are in for the fun (or vice versa)
• ​Make sure you've cleared a path from the main sidewalk to your home, making it easier for small kids in bulky costumes to make it safely to your door without ruining your bedding plants
• Keep candles out of reach of kids (and their flammable costumes) – make sure your jack-o-lanterns are not in the way

Tips for adults on Halloween

• Drive safe – and keep in mind that extra vigilance will be needed, especially in residential areas where trick-or-treaters are out on patrol
• If you're planning on drinking, take a cab or arrange alternate transit
• If you see an impaired driver, call 911 or Curb the Danger