With Halloween coming up right around the corner, York Region wants to make sure all your little ghosts, ghouls and goblins are able to have a safe, inclusive and fun experience while trick-or-treating.

York Region is committed to creating strong, caring and inclusive communities where all residents can feel safe. Take a look at these tips to find out how you can make trick-or-treating a positive experience for everyone:

1. Move your treat bowl and pumpkin to the sidewalk or the bottom of your stairs. Stairs present challenges for kids with disabilities who use wheelchairs and mobility devices. This will also help eliminate tripping hazards and physical barriers.
2. When addressing trick-or-treaters, make sure they can see your face and mouth as you speak. This will help children who struggle with speech or have hearing issues better understand what your are saying and allow them to respond appropriately.
3. Being patient will allow all children to move at the pace they need to. Understand that it may take some children an extra minute or two to reach out to get their treat, say thank you or leave your door with their treats in-hand. Some children also might need you to put the treat in their container for them.
4. For some kids, flashing lights and startling scares can be a trigger for a seizure. Consider creative decorations and spooky music that can be detected from a distance or are free of these potential triggers.
5. Be prepared to hand out non-candy options as some kids have allergies or may not be able to consume food orally. Consider filling up your treat basket with stickers, coupons and small toys. Have you heard of the Teal Pumpkin Project?
6. Make sure the location where you hand out treats is well-lit
7. To help drivers see you and your kids better, use reflective tape on costumes or bags and bring a flashlight along on your journey
8. Avoid allowing your trick-or-treaters to go out alone and ensure they are walking in groups or with a trusted adult
9. Remember to use crosswalks and walk on the sidewalk whenever possible
10. Check all candy before it gets eaten and remember - if it’s been opened or unwrapped, toss it out
11. After the trick-or-treating chaos and excitement comes to a close, be sure to keep fragile fangs clean. Avoid treats that are sticky, chewy or high in sugar; rinse out your mouth with water after eating and brush and floss before bedtime.
12. Walk, don’t run and don’t text-and-walk while trick-or-treating
13. Instead of wearing a mask try wearing face paint instead. Face paint increases visibility and can help ensure children with limited mobility have an easier time moving throughout the evening.

There are some fun Halloween-themed activities happening in the neighbourhood this weekend, be sure to check them out and get into the spirit early:

Halloween in the Village
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Rain or shine with two time slots available

York Regional Police is proud to invite all ghosts and goblins to take over the Community Safety Village of York Region in an effort to seek out tricks or treats at the annual Halloween in the Village.

Halloween Hunt in the Forest
Saturday, October 27, 2018
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Dress in your best Halloween costume and explore the forest. Learn about spooky stories and fairy tales the woods have inspired. Registration required. 

Happy haunting!