It’s that time of year again when little ghouls and goblins will be heading out to trick or treat! Saturday night brings all the frightfully good fun and the Cranbrook RCMP would love to see all the kids having a safe, exciting night.
Over the past week members of the RCMP have been going into the elementary schools to promote Halloween Safety and now it’s the parents turn!
•Before the kids hit the streets, know the route that your children plan to follow.
•Carrying glow sticks, or using reflective tape or flashlights are always a good idea
•If you are unable to take them out yourself, consider asking another parent, an older sibling or babysitter to do the honours for you.
•Teach your children to recognize the places along his/her route where they can obtain help: Police Station, Fire Station or any other well indicated public place.
•Stay on the sidewalks (If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left-hand side of the street facing traffic).
•Use crosswalks whenever possible: Visit houses on one side of the street at a time and cross the street only at intersections or at marked crosswalks.
•Stop and check for cars before crossing the street.
•Discuss with your children what they should do to call home in case of emergency.
•Safety in numbers: Walk in groups and stay together.
•Stay on the outside: Never enter a house; only accept treats at the front door.
Save your treats: Wait until you get home before sampling your treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should check out all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items. Police warn against eating any candy that appears to be homemade unless you know the person you are receiving the treats from.
Drivers: Expect the unexpected: slow down, look for pedestrians. The chances of getting into a serious or fatal collision are multiplied when there are lots of kids and teens out on the streets. Remember that there will be more foot traffic on Halloween night and that most of it will be excited young children so leave yourself extra time to navigate residential streets.