Steinbach RCMP's Community Liaison Officer is giving advice on staying safe while trick-or-treating.

Constable Kevin Wynn highlights some tips for staying safe during Halloween.  For trick-or-treaters, he recommends:

- Wear make-up instead of a mask for better sight and awareness
- Wear reflective clothing
- Stay in familiar neighbourhoods
- Stay on the sidewalk, or if there isn't one, on the left side of the road facing traffic
- Only approach houses with lights on
- Never enter a stranger's house or car for candy

Wynn also has some safety tips for parents.  They include:

- Discuss an emergency plan with children before trick-or-treating
- Although tampering is rare, bring candy home and check it before eating it
- Throw out anything that looks suspicious
- Clean your yard so children don't trip over any objects in the dark
- Put pets inside as they quite often get frightened

He notes safety should also be observed when playing with firecrackers.  He recommends:

- Handle firecrackers with care
- Only use them in a safe location
- Keep them away from flammable objects
- Don't use them near small children or pets
- Observe city/town by-laws, such as no excessive noise after 10:00 PM

Wynn adds Halloween is all about fun, and if everyone does their part, there is no reason Steinbach residents can't have a safe and fun Halloween.