Medicine Hat police issue Halloween safety tips for trick-or-treaters
Officers are urging families to plan ahead and take basic precautions as children head out for Halloween.
The Medicine Hat Police Service is reminding residents to take precautions ahead of Halloween to keep trick-or-treating safe. Police recommend children travel in groups, stay in familiar neighbourhoods and have younger kids accompanied by a trusted adult, with a planned route reviewed in advance.
For road safety, police advise children to look both ways before crossing, stay on one side of the street and cross at the end of the block rather than darting back and forth. Costumes should be visible to drivers, with bright colours or reflective tape encouraged, and face paint suggested over masks that could block vision.
Families are told to carry flashlights, visit only homes with exterior lights on and avoid entering a stranger's home or vehicle. Parents should inspect all treats before children eat them and throw out anything unwrapped or unsealed.
Homeowners can help by leaving exterior lights on, securing pets and keeping candles or other flammable items away from children. Adults celebrating Halloween are also encouraged to arrange a safe ride home in advance.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.