Halloween is around the corner, and just as young children are getting excited about putting on costumes and going trick-or-treating, Sunshine Coast RCMP are also gearing up to ensure everyone stays safe.
RCMP will have extra officers in communities around the Sunshine Coast this weekend, checking for everything from impaired drivers to acts of vandalism to public intoxication. Residents are also reminded that Gibsons and Sechelt both have fireworks bylaws that prohibit anyone from setting off any kind of fireworks without a valid permit. People are instead encouraged to attend one of the sanctioned fireworks events on the Coast.
“Most of the kids and adults we see on Halloween are very well behaved, and only looking to have a night of good fun,” said RCMP Const. Harrison Mohr. “The few that have more sinister plans quickly come to our attention, and we encourage and appreciate the phone calls we get from residents reporting people or activities that seem especially out of place. Even the best costume can’t hide a criminal.”
In addition to patrolling neighbourhoods, police will also be setting up various Counter Attack road checks throughout the night, monitoring licensed establishments and large gatherings, and ensuring motorists and pedestrians are being safe and visible on our roadways.
Meanwhile, the Insurance Bureau of Canada has released its top 10 tips to keep Halloween safe for everyone:
• If driving, stay well below the speed limit and give yourself extra time to get to your destination. If possible, avoid driving between 6 and 9 p.m., when most trick-or-treating takes place.
• Pay extra attention to what is going on around you when driving. Keep an eye out for children darting across the street, especially between parked cars. When pulling in or out of driveways, stay alert to your surroundings.
• Refrain at all times from using your cellphone while driving.
• Equip your trick-or-treater with a flashlight.
• Consider using makeup instead of a mask to ensure your child has a clear, unobstructed view. If a mask is necessary, enlarge the eyes or while walking push the mask up.
• Avoid costumes with dark colours or use reflective tape.
• Accompany your child or, if she or he is old enough, make sure your child is with a group of responsible friends.
• Plan a trick-or-treating route close to home and confirm a time of return.
• Tell your children to only visit well-lit houses and never go inside.
• If you are attending a party and plan to consume alcohol, arrange a ride home.
