“Trick or treat, smell my feet! Give me something good to eat!”
I remember what it was like to be able to go trick-or-treating. Every year at my school, police would come to help remind us about the importance of safety on the streets. It’s the one time of the year where kids filled the streets and rang doorbells for sweet or sour treats, with the occasional trick.
Safety is just important today, and if you’re a parent sending your little ones out trick-or-treating, there are a number of issues you should keep in mind.
Dressing safely
Make sure your child’s costume is visible to motorists. One of the many ways is by adhering reflective tape to the costume, or ensuring they’re wearing bright colours (not head-to-toe black). The Rogers Pumpkin Patrol (now in its 30th year) recommends using face make-up — preferably bright make-up — or cutting larger holes for the eyes on a mask so your child can see clearly in all directions. If your child does wear a mask, make sure to tell them to push it up on their head while walking and especially when crossing the street.
Front-door safety
It’s all about the treats and it’s understandable that the kids want what that person at the door has to offer. But make sure your youngster knows to only visit well-lit homes that are clearly open for trick-or-treating business, and to never go inside. Also: it’s essential that kids travel in groups. Ensure your kids plan a route that keeps them close to home, with a designated time for them to return home. Parents should always accompany younger children.
Hitting the streets
The Rogers Pumpkin Patrol will be out in force once again to help keep all trick-or-treaters safe on October 31st. Employee volunteers will be riding around in red Rogers vans and will be available in case your children need assistance.
A special reminder to all motorists to be on the lookout this Halloween. The children might have their noses in their bags in excitement and might not be paying attention to the roads. Keep your eyes out for pint-sized ghouls and goblins, stick to the speed limit, and slow down at intersections to make sure that children crossing can do so safely.
Have a safe and spook-tastic Halloween!