Chances are you'll see some extra police presence on the streets of High River this Halloween.

Sergeant Brent Hawker with the High River RCMP says with all the monsters and ghouls heading out on a Saturday night they'll be out a little more than usual.

"We certainly will, as you know Halloween is on Saturday and we expect the weather to be fine, so we'll have plenty of members out in the community, patrolling around to make sure things are going right. But certainly we ask that parents and children adhere to some safety tips that are put out yearly."

Hawker says they'll be paying particular attention for drunk drivers, as well as all the kids out trick or treating to make sure they have a safe night.

He suggest kids head out with at least one parent, or in a group if they're a little older.

He's cautioning drivers to keep a keen eye out for little one's darting into the streets, as they may not be paying attention.

He also stresses making sure kids don't start eating their candy until they get home and their parents have a chance to check it out first. (And perhaps take the opportunity to collect the "Mom or Dad" tax!)

The RCMP put out this list of "Do's and Don't's for Halloween Safety:

Trick or treaters should:

·        Wear bright costumes with reflective tape or glow sticks. You will be more visible to drivers.

·        Wear face paint instead of a mask. Masks can impair vision and hearing. They should be removed while walking from house to house and crossing streets.

·        Wear properly fitted costumes and footwear.

·        Costume weaponry should be easily identifiable as imitation.

·        Carry a flashlight.

·        Be accompanied by a trusted adult.

·        Travel in groups if mature enough to be unsupervised.

·        Carry a cellphone if unaccompanied by an adult.

·        Always walk on sidewalks.

·        Stay on one side of the street. Safely cross the street to the houses on the other side. Do not crisscross back-and-forth.

·        Stay in well-lit areas.

·        Plan a route and stick to it. Do not take shortcuts.

·        Never enter a stranger’s house or vehicle.

·        Never eat treats that have not been inspected by an adult.

·        Know the places along the route where it is safe to go for help.

Halloween safety is not limited to the little ones. There are steps adults can take to keep themselves, and their property, free from any hair-raising experiences.

Homeowners should:

·        Ensure your house is well lit.

·        Keep walkways obstacle free.

·        Avoid using candles in your pumpkins. Use lights or glow sticks instead.

·        Report suspicious activities to your local police.

·        Keep pets indoors away from trick or treaters.

“Halloween on a Saturday could mean more kids roaming the streets after dark and more late-night costume parties for adults,” said A/Commr. Marlin Degrand, Acting Commanding Officer of the RCMP in Alberta, “It’s extremely important that drivers remain sober and drive cautiously to make sure everyone gets home safely.”

Drivers are reminded this Halloween to:

·        Drive sober.

·        Avoid driving in residential areas while trick or treaters are out.

·        Slow down and be extra cautious. Expect that children dart out from parked cars.

·        Watch carefully for people using crosswalks.

·        Do not wear costumes that interfere with the safe operation of a motor vehicle by restricting movement, impeding vision or prohibiting the use of safety restraints.