Constable
Marc Trioreau, RCMP Community Policing Officer for the Trinity Conception
District�
Have a Safe and Happy Halloween
With Halloween
coming real soon, I thought that it might be a good idea to provide
some Halloween safety tips. I am always concern on Halloween night
that a children would get injured by a motor vehicle. But it is not
the only thing that you have to be caution during Halloween night. So
here are few pointers to make your Halloween safe:
BEFORE HALLOWEEN:
Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit
well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping,
entanglement or contact with flame.
Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and
Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number)
discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.
Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic
makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives.
When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, look for and
purchase only those with a label clearly indicating they are flame
resistant.
Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If such
props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are
soft and flexible to prevent injury.
Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their
escorts.
Plan ahead to use only battery powered lanterns or chemical light
sticks in place of candles in decorations and costumes.
This is also a great time to buy fresh batteries for your home
Smoke Alarms.
Teach children to how call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number)
if they have an emergency or become lost. Remind them that 9-1-1 can
be dialed free at any payphone.
Review with your children the principle of
"Stop-Drop-Roll", should their clothes catch on fire.
Openly discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior at Halloween
time.
Consider purchasing individually packaged healthy food
alternatives (or safe non-food treats) for those who visit your home.
Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and
walkway.
Check around your property for low tree limbs, support wires or
garden hoses that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from
house to house.
Learn or review CPR skills to aid someone who is choking or having
a heart attack.
Consider safe party guidelines when hosting an Adult or Office
Party.
FUN ALTERNATIVES:
Ask around your community and check your local newspaper for
information on special events. Community Centers, Shopping Malls and
Houses of Worship often have organized festivities.
Share the fun by arranging a visit to a Retirement Home or Senior
Center.
Create an alliance with College Fraternities, Sororities or
Service Clubs for children's face painting or a carnival.
BEFORE NIGHTFALL ON HALLOWEEN: A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage
youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical
outlets with holiday lighting or special effects.
Always keep Jack O' Lanterns and hot electric lamps away from
drapes, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children will
be standing or walking.
Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which is
acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when revelers must return
home.
Along with flashlights for all, older children and escorts should
wear a wristwatch and carry coins for non-emergency phone calls.
Confine, segregate or otherwise prepare household pets for an
evening of frightful sights and sounds. Be sure that all dogs and cats
are wearing collars and proper identification tags. Consult your
veterinarian for further advice.
Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly
throughout the community.
Adult partygoers should establish a designated driver.
WHEN TRICK-OR-TREATING: A Parent or responsible Adult should always accompany young
children on their neighborhood rounds.
Remind Trick-or Treaters:
By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.
Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
Only go to homes with a porch light on.
Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the
roadway facing traffic.
Never cut across yards or use alleys.
Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
Always walk. Never run across a street.
Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as
recognized by local custom).
Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a
street, driveway or alley.
Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing
Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others
will!
Never consume food items or drinks that may be offered.
No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an
Adult at home.
Police should be notified immediately of any suspicious or
unlawful activity.
AFTER TRICK-OR-TREATING: Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though
tampering is rare, a responsible Adult should closely examine all
treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.
If you have any suggestions, ideas or
comments in relation to this article, please feel free to let me know.
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