Halloween safety reminder: Be prepared, stay safe, and have fun!

Richmond

2024-10-28 09:10 PDT

As Halloween approaches, Richmond RCMP would like to remind everyone to stay safe while enjoying the festivities. With increased patrols throughout the city, our officers will be highly visible to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening for all.

Increased police presence

Richmond RCMP will deploy additional officers across the city on Halloween. Our focus will be on maintaining safety for everyone, especially as the sidewalks fill with trick-or-treaters. Officers will also be conducting proactive patrols to deter any unsafe or suspicious activity, including the enforcement of the City of Richmond’s zero tolerance policy on fireworks.

Drivers, be alert!

Halloween is a busy night with many children and families walking through neighbourhoods. Drivers are urged to be extra cautious, especially during peak trick-or-treating hours. Keep an eye out for children crossing the street unexpectedly, and remember to reduce speed in residential areas.

Be street smart – make a plan

Parents and caregivers should ensure older children who are trick-or-treating without an adult should walk in groups and stay together. Ensure your child has a watch (or has a cell) to meet the agreed-upon curfew. Children should know what to do in case of an emergency and how to get help if they are separated from their group. All children should be reminded to stay on sidewalks and cross the road safely at marked crosswalks.

Costume safety

Costumes should be bright and reflective to ensure visibility in low-light conditions. Face paint is recommended instead of masks, as masks can limit visibility and impair safe movement. If you child is wearing a costume that is long or has flowing fabric, ensure that it does not pose a tripping or strangulation hazard.

Check your candy

Parents and caregivers are reminded to inspect all treats that children receive. Though reports of tampering are rare, a 2022 incident involving a child ingesting an edible cannabis product reminds us to stay vigilant. Look for labels such as THC or Cannabis and discard any suspicious items. If anything seems off, report it to the police immediately.

Celebrate responsibly

We ask everyone to celebrate responsibly. Avoid unsafe behaviour, report any suspicious activities, and look out for one another. Whether you’re on foot, behind the wheel, or handing out treats, help us ensure a safe and enjoyable evening for all.

For more safety tips, visit BC RCMP – Halloween Safety Tips.

Released by:

Email: richmond_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: richmond.rcmp.ca

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