As Halloween approaches, the Estevan Police Service is gearing up to ensure a safe celebration for all. With excited trick-or-treaters set to hit the streets, EPS Chief Jamie Blunden shares essential safety tips to keep everyone visible and secure during the spookiest night of the year.
EPS Chief Jamie Blunden said one of the biggest recommendations is to ensure everyone remains visible, particularly since dusk falls earlier this time of year. “Your costume should have some sort of reflective tape or reflective clothing on there to be seen in the dark by the vehicles that are around,” he said.
Blunden noted drivers should also exercise extra caution on Halloween night. “I think we’ve got to slow down a lot more. I think we’ve got to be very cognizant, there’s kids out there that are going to be excited, it’s going to be dark between houses, and crossing the streets. And so I think that at the end of the day the drivers have to take extra responsibility when they’re out there on Halloween,” he said.
Another reminder for parents is to keep a close eye on young children out trick-or-treating. Blunden acknowledged that while it would be ideal for everyone to trick-or-treat in daylight, it may not be realistic. “I mean, we all know that the sun’s going down sooner and sooner and there are going to be kids out there after dark. And those younger kids that aren’t going to get out during the daylight time should be accompanied by adults,” he said. “And those kids when they’re out there, you know, let’s try and stay on the sidewalks.”
Regardless of age, kids should not go trick-or-treating alone. “Kids, it doesn’t matter what age they are, they shouldn’t be alone. I think even as teens, you know, I think the trick-or-treater should be going in groups, at least with a partner, a friend and don’t try and trick-or-treat alone,” he said.
Blunden emphasized the importance of parents considering when it is appropriate to let children go out on their own. “You know, as a parent, you got to look at your child and then what point do you let them go play by themselves out in the streets? And that’s sort of a threshold that I would look at,” he said, urging that at least pairs or groups head out to ensure everyone’s safety.
Finally, he reminded residents to inspect any candy kids bring home to ensure it’s safe.