Coquitlam –

Officials are encouraging parents to discuss safety with their children this Halloween.

While families of ghouls and skeletons will meet while candy is trick-or-treating, Coquitlam RCMP warn there will be real dangers.

Planning Your Safe and Spooky Look

Parents are reminded to carefully inspect costumes before children go out to ensure the outfits are visible in the dark and to add reflective strips or armbands to increase visibility.

Use flashlights and glow sticks to keep children visible to motorists.

If a costume involves a mask, test it before Halloween to make sure kids can see properly. If possible, use face paint instead.

Make sure costumes are made of fire-resistant material and fit well to prevent falls or trips.

Pedestrian safety

Cheaters are reminded to stay on the sidewalks. Pedestrians should use crosswalks whenever possible and not cross the jaywalk. Remind children to stop and check for cars before crossing the street. Walk in groups and stay together to increase your visibility.

“During Halloween festivities, it is crucial that everyone puts safety first. Trick-or-treating often results in a significant increase in the number of pedestrians sharing roadways,” Coquitlam RCMP wrote in a news release.

Parents should ensure that older children trick-or-treating without an adult walk in a group and stay together.

Make sure your child has a watch or cell phone to respect the agreed curfew.

Children need to know what to do in an emergency and how to get help if they become separated from their group.

Candy Safety

Families are reminded to inspect treats before consuming them. Check all treats for small holes in the packaging and throw out anything that is torn, unwrapped, or loosely packaged. Don’t eat homemade treats. RCMP say when in doubt, throw it away. The Department of Public Safety and Solicitor General also issued a warning regarding the accidental distribution of cannabis products.

“The dangers posed to young people by illegal and colorful packaging are often compounded by a high concentration of THC in the unregulated product. All legal cannabis producers must follow strict packaging and labeling rules to ensure that products do not appeal to children and young people,” the ministry said in a statement.

In British Columbia, only adults aged 19 and over can purchase, possess and consume non-medical cannabis products.

“Strict sanctions are in place for those who sell or provide these products to minors,” the ministry writes.

Parents should look for labels such as “THC” or “Cannabis” and discard any suspicious items.

If something seems unusual, people are encouraged to report it to the police immediately.