Wet Halloween in store, Halloween safety tips

A wet Halloween with significant rain and gusty winds is expected.

Environment Canada has a special weather statement in place across Chatham-Kent.

“Rain, at times heavy, is expected this afternoon and into this evening. forecasters say.

“Additional rainfall amounts of 15 to 30 mm are expected today for total amounts of 30 to 50 mm by late this evening. The heaviest rain is expected this afternoon into early this evening.”

In addition to the rainfall, strong westerly wind gusts of 70 or 80 km/h are possible tonight into Friday morning, Environment Canada officials stated.

“If visibility is reduced during driving, turn on headlights and maintain a safe following distance,” forecasters say.

“Remember pedestrians are more difficult to see when it is dark and raining.”

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.

To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

Safety tips from Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services

Chatham-Kent Fire is reminding CK residents to be fire safe during Halloween celebrations tonight.

Costumes and decorations present a number of hidden fire hazards.

By following some simple safety precautions, you can ensure a day of safe fun for your family and trick-or-treaters.

“We encourage people to use battery-operated candles or glow-sticks in their jack-o-lanterns,” stated Public Educator Whitney Burk, in a media release.

“Candles left burning unattended are a common cause of house fires in Canada.”

If you do choose to use candle decorations, make sure to keep them well attended at all times.

Do not leave them near flammable objects or where trick-or-treaters may walk.

Remember to keep exits clear, to ensure nothing blocks your escape routes in the event of an emergency.

“We also want to remind everyone of the importance of having working alarms in their home,” Burk added.

“We are approaching the season where we tend to see more fires. The best protection for you and your family is early detection – working alarms save lives.”

Safety tips from the Chatham-Kent Police Service

“We would like to wish everyone a Happy Halloween,” Chatham-Kent Police Service officials stated on social media.

“Motorists – please slow down and be extra careful tonight while driving through residential areas as there will be lots of little ghosts and goblins trick-or-treating. Kids – make sure you are visible, trick-or-treat with a responsible adult and let mom or dad check your candy before you eat it.”

More Halloween safety tips are available on their website at: https://ckpolice.com/halloween-safety-tips/

Halloween safety tips from the OPP

Lambton County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers will be highly visible in all parts of the County to help make this a safe and fun ‘Trick or Treating” experience for everyone.

Halloween is a cherished tradition, but the excitement of the night can certainly cause children to forget how to be careful. Safety starts even before the children go out. The following are safety tips for children, parents and motorists.

Walk; do not run from door to door. Use sidewalks and cross walks or cross at corners and well-lit areas. It is not safe to cut across lawns as there may be objects on the grass that you could trip over.

Adults should accompany children at all times. Small children should ‘Trick or Treat’ when it is still daylight if possible.

Older children should stay in groups, plan a route and stick with it. Let your family know what route you intend to use and agree on a time to be home so they can go out to look for you if you do not return on time.

Only go to lit homes and never go into a house or apartment even if you are invited. Don’t talk to strangers or get into vehicles while out ‘Trick or Treating.’

Always check your treats before you eat them. Look for packaging that has been tampered with, or is loose or torn. If you are suspicious, throw them away. Homemade popcorn balls, cookies and candy apples are nice and usually well intended by the giver but they can be dangerous. Dispose of them as well unless you know and trust who gave them to you.

Drivers should slow down and watch for children. Children get excited and may forget to look before they run out onto the roadways.

Don’t drive distracted. Keep your eyes on the roadway and your mind on driving.

Don’t drink and drive! Use a designated driver, take a taxi or use public transit.

Please do your part to ensure this is a safe and fun Halloween for everyone.

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