Halloween Safety 2026: Tips to keep everyone safe
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 9:30 a.m.
Ottawa — As Halloween approaches, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) reminds families and communities to consider these safety tips to ensure a fun and exciting night of trick-or-treating.
Safety tips for Trick-or-Treaters and Families:
- Stay together: Always stay with a trusted adult or remain in a large, supervised group. Always go with young children on their neighbourhood rounds. Encourage youth to Trick-or-Treat in a group, remind them to regularly check in and agree on a specific time when they should return home.
- Remain visible: Carry glowsticks, flashlights, or wear reflective clothing so drivers can easily spot you in the dark.
- Stick to the path: Use sidewalks, cross only when safe, at crosswalks or corners. Never cut across streets or unlit yards.
- Keep your distance: Never enter a stranger's home or vehicle. Avoid unlit houses or houses with no Halloween decorations.
- Inspect treats: Have a parent or guardian check and inspect all candy before eating anything. Never eat homemade treats, unsealed or unusual snacks, and if the item is unfamiliar, inspect and read labels carefully. When in doubt, throw it out.
Party People:
- Keep valuables close: Never leave personal items, food, or drinks unattended, and don't accept open drinks from others.
- Buddy up: Go with a friend and check in on each other throughout the evening.
- Respect boundaries: No means no. Ensure clear, sober consent before any intimate activity.
- Drive sober: Plan your ride home before heading out. Use a designated driver, rideshare, or public transit.
- Stay connected: Keep your phone charged and share your location with a trusted person if you're going somewhere unfamiliar.
- Be a good neighbour: Respect property and keep noise levels down.
- Look out for others: If someone needs help or something doesn't seem right, speak up, offer assistance, or call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
Drivers:
- Slow down: Reduce your speed significantly, especially in residential neighbourhoods where children might run across the streets unexpectedly.
- Turn on headlights early: Turn on your headlights before dusk to maximize your visibility to trick-or-treaters.
- Minimize distractions: Put away your phone and keep your full attention on the roads and sidewalks.
- Yield to pedestrians: Always give the trick-or-treaters the right of way, even if they aren't crossing at a marked intersection.
Remember to stay safe, be aware, and look out for one another. Happy Halloween!
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