RCMP prepared for Halloween weekend

The police spokesperson would not comment on if there would be enhanced road blocks over the weekend, but did say officers would be “out and about” patrolling the city.

For Halloween night, Terleski said parents and guardians can take steps to make sure their kids are safe while going door to door.

“If they’re going to wear a costume, we prefer they don’t have a mask so the kid can see better and increase their visibility, but if they are going to have a mask, remind them to remove it while moving between the houses and put it on when they go up to the door,” said Terleski.

“Review safety rules with the kids before they leave the home and always have a plan with them, plan a route in advance and know where they’re going, arrange meeting times and places.”

Terleski also noted children should never trick-or-treat alone, never enter a house to collect candy, do not eat candy until it has been checked by an adult, only cross the roads at well lit cross walks, and carry glowsticks or flashlights to make sure they are visible in the dark.

The local school resource officer has been going to schools speaking with kids about Halloween safety and handing out reflectors, and parents and guardians are advised to attach these and other reflective items to their childs’ costumes.

Motorists are also advised to slow down and be extra vigilant of kids in costumes darting across the road, especially in residential neighbourhoods. Terleski asks drivers to avoid all distractions and keep an eye out for princesses or superheros or other costumed kids on the road.

“Kids are really excited and they may not be thinking clearly about road safety, so as a driver, it is your responsibility to be thinking and watching out for these things in advance,” Terleski remarked.

Police will also be out on patrol Halloween night, responding to calls relating to the ‘trick’ part of the night, such as acts of vandalism.

“Our officers will be out on patrol and looking out for activity like that and, again, we just want to make sure that, if you’re out and about, please respect other people’s property, that goes without saying, Halloween or any other time of year,” Terleski told Vernon Matters.

“Damaging someone’s property is mischief, it’s vandalism, it’s not appropriate and it’s not acceptable, Halloween or any other time of the year.”

The City of Vernon’s bylaws do not permit the use of fireworks within city limits, and Terleski advises people not set off their own and instead go to BX Fire Hall or Kal Beach to watch the fireworks shows.

“Follow all the rules, respect the rules when it comes to fireworks or any other incendiary material. They’re in place for safety reasons so we want people to abide by those and go enjoy the fireworks where someone is actually doing it professionally and it’s safe and you can enjoy them.”

by Liam Verster

RCMP prepared for Halloween weekend

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