Be safe, be seen this Halloween

(HURON COUNTY, ON) – A Huron County pedestrian-safety initiative will be making this year’s Halloween a little safer for 2,500 Huron County elementary school-aged children. 

The Huron County OPP, along with community partners from Victim Services of Huron County and the Coalition for Huron Injury Prevention (CHIP), is bringing “Project Safe Halloween” to Huron County for the fourth consecutive year.
 
The CHIP committee was successful in securing funding to purchase lime green and silver reflective arm bands for each student who attends the following 10 elementary schools:  Goderich Public School, St. Mary’s, Brookside, Seaforth Public School, St. James Elementary, St. Columban, Stephen Central, Mount Carmel, Exeter Elementary and Precious Blood.

The reflective arm bands allow for 360-degree visibility. The bands can be placed on a child’s arm, wrist, leg or ankle for maximum safety.

In addition to distributing the retro-reflective arm bands, students will be taking home a Halloween-themed “Safety Tip Sheet” that parents can use to guide conversations with their children. Huron OPP’s community safety officer was also making the rounds at the various schools last week, providing informative Halloween safety presentations.  

Parents and children are reminded of the following safety tips for safe trick-or-treating:
 

• Be Safe, Be Seen! Wear a reflective band, glow stick, use a flashlight and add reflective tape to your treat bag and costume.
• Always travel in groups - make sure there are at least two or more people with you at all times.
• Plan your route before you leave your house and ensure your parents know where you are going. Take a cell phone with you.
• Don’t visit a home that is not well lit-up, and NEVER go inside a stranger’s home.
• Walk on the sidewalk whenever it is possible. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road facing traffic.
• Always look both ways for traffic before crossing the street.
• Do not criss-cross back and forth across the street. Work your way down one side of the street, then start on the other.
• Avoid eating unwrapped candy and homemade treats from strangers.

The Huron OPP is reminding drivers to be extra cautious tonight on Halloween night. Be prepared for that little child who may dart out in front of your vehicle. Please devote your full attention to driving safely so everyone can have a safe and enjoyable Halloween.