The Okotoks Fire Department, Municipal Enforcement, and RCMP have some tricks and treats to help kids have a safe Halloween.

Staff from all three sectors will be out in residential areas throughout the evening, Kelly Stienwand, Municipal Enforcement Manager encourages any parents or kids to approach officers or fire fighters at any time.

"We want to be highly visible and a resource and safe place for kids who might have a question, or any kind of an issue, or if they want to point out something they think isn't safe."

Stienwand also encourages parents to remind their children of proper street crossing etiquette, and encourages motorists to be alert while driving in residential areas.

"Essentially with these kids being so excited they're going to be running across the road to meet their with their friends, so we're asking that people traveling on the roads in the evening to really take extra care and expect some unpredictable behaviour by kids. We really encourage parents to get their kids to go to the crosswalks and look both ways."

It's also recommended children wear light coloured costumes or reflective tape for visibility, using a glow stick or a flashlight can also be helpful.

As for the possibility of tainted candy, Stienwand says the standards rules apply, if it's home made, unwrapped or looks tampered with try to avoid it.

"We encourage parents to go through kid's candy and warn them ahead of time, so they don't start accidentally snacking on something that could be not in their best interest."

Okotoks Fire Services will also have staff at each of their stations, Ken Thevenot, Okotoks Fire Chief says they will act as a safe haven for kids or parents.

"Maybe if they even want to stop in for a treat there may be a treat or two there for individuals. Or if they want to warm up, have any questions, or just want to stop in and say hello."

Thevenot adds there are some precautions residents should take regarding decorations.

"Make sure if you choose to use candles in pumpkins for Jack O' Lanterns when you go to light them try to use and long match or barbeque lighter. Try to keep them at least three to four feet from other objects and combustibles. Halloween decorations can be very flammable, especially with the use of paper or dried flowers, so that sort of thing is a very flammable decoration so make sure you keep any open flames away from that."

He encourages homeowners to ensure their walkways are clear of debris, and to keep Jack O' Lanterns away from where trick or treaters would walk.

Happy Halloween Okotoks!

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