Halloween is almost here. Let’s remember to be safe!

Many fun, spooky activities planned in the Slave Lake area!

On Halloween, drivers always need to be extra vigilant watching for little ghosts and goblins on the streets who may be distracted looking for their next sugar rush. And all of us who have children should think about making costumes visible in the dark and teaching children to be safe while trick-or-treating.

If driving isn’t necessary, stay home, hand out treats and enjoy the action. But if you must drive, consider the following:

  • When driving, expect the unexpected. Watch out for children jaywalking, crossing driveways and stepping out from behind parked vehicles.
  • Count on children being distracted. Masks, costumes and just looking for that next stash of candy can affect a child’s attention. Always play it safe and assume children don’t see your car and give them the right of way.
  • And you’ve heard it before, but turn off the cell phone and maybe even the handsfree feature just to be extra careful. If attending a party, put the keys away and assign someone to be the designated driver.

 

For the little ones, here are some Halloween tips to keep them safe:

  • Consider a light-coloured costume or maybe add bright reflective strips or glow sticks – these always do a good job of brightening up a dark costume.
  • Masks, especially big, heavy ones, can affect vision. Maybe use face paint instead. If a big, heavy mask is a necessity, then teach children to lift up their mask to cross the street.
  • If your children are going out by themselves this year, walk through the route with them early in the week, and establish set times for them to check-in. Encourage your kids to travel in a group, stay together, and not approach houses without any light on.
  • Make sure your walkway is clear of snow, and the yard is clear of tripping hazards like tools, cords and debris.

 

Teach children to be street smart:

  • Reinforce that if someone invites them to come in the house or to get into a car to warm up, say “thanks but no thanks,” and report it to an adult.
  • Cross only at crosswalks or safe corners. Point to indicate your intent to cross, pause to double-check and make eye contact with driver, then proceed only after all traffic is stopped.
  • Never walk at night with headphones, or use social media such as instagram or face-time when near traffic.

 

In the Slave Lake area, check out the different activities happening on October 31 and throughout that week. There’s something for everyone!

Halloween at the Boreal (BOOreal) Centre for Bird Conservation

  • On October 26, from 12 to 3 pm the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation is hosting a fun Halloween event with a lot of “spidery” things going on. Come in your favourite Halloween costume. There will be spider games, spider crafts, and a spooky spider cave. For more information, check out their Facebook page.

Mini Monsters Halloween 

  • Community Futures has again organized its Mini-Monster, Halloween Trick-or-Treat Event, and this year Metis District 21 has joined them. On October 31st, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, participating businesses will hand out candy to all the little Trick-or-Treaters. This event is to make halloween a safe trick-or-treating experience for young ones, especially children not in school or daycare yet.
  • Remember to wear your best costume! A map of local businesses taking part will be shared on social media and you can follow the Facebook page HERE: to access the map.

The Slave Lake Rotary Club Annual Haunted Library

  • On Thursday, October 31, the Slave Lake library is hosting two different Halloween venues.  For children under 8  there is a less-scary theme set up in the Lion’s Den, and for the older crowd there’s a scarier theme through-out the rest of the library.  For further details call 780-849-5250.

Have a fun and safe Halloween!

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