Delta Police are preparing for this year’s Halloween celebrations over the weekend and on Oct. 31.
Additional resources will be on the streets to ensure everyone celebrates safely this Halloween, and this year the DPD has added candies to their arsenal to give away to the younger trick-or-treaters on Halloween night as part of its community approach to policing.
“Each of the Save-on-Foods locations in Delta partnered with our Police Foundation, donating a generous amount of candy for Delta officers to give out to youngsters in our community on Halloween, Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord said in a press release.
“This is a great community policing initiative and will allow us to interact with kids in a fun way while reinforcing the fact that police officers are approachable as community helpers who work to keep them, and all of our citizens, safe. I am grateful for the support we receive from the community, police foundation and businesses in Delta and I know the kids will appreciate this as well.”
For all the little ghosts and goblins that will be out and about celebrating on Halloween, here are a few safety tips from the Delta Police Department to remember:
- Trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods.
- Carry a flashlight (with fresh batteries).
- Stay on the sidewalks and off of the roadways. Cross only at intersections and designated crosswalks, and follow traffic signals.
- Apply reflective tape to your Halloween costumes.
- Have an adult inspect all candy received prior to eating any.
For those driving on the roads, Delta Police ask they pay extra attention to pedestrians, as many youngsters will be excited and may dart between vehicles to cross the road while seeking their next treat. If you are partying and consuming any liquor, do so responsibly and pre-plan a ride home.
The DPD also offers the following tips for homeowners:
- Turn on your outdoor lights and replace burnt-out bulbs.
- Sweep wet leaves from your steps and sidewalk.
- Use alternatives to candles in your pumpkins, such as battery operated candles or flashlights.
- Remember that some children have food allergies — consider having alternatives to candy such as stickers for those kids with allergies.
- Keep your pets inside. Halloween can be frightening for pets because of the costumes and the fireworks; make sure your pet can’t run outside when you open the door for trick-or-treaters.
With respect to fireworks, Delta Police remind everyone that no one may possess fireworks unless they are over 18 years old and a holder of a valid fireworks permit. This permit would have to be obtained from the Delta Fire Department at the cost of $200 and applied for at least 10 days prior to any event.
If anyone is found in possession of fireworks and without a permit, a fine may be issued; $175 for possession, and $225 for selling, giving or trading fireworks.
Delta Police anticipate that it will be a busier-than-usual Tuesday night on Oct. 31 and are asking everyone to celebrate in a responsible manner so that it is a spooktacularly safe night for all of us.
editor@northdeltareporter.com
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