Members of the Sundre RCMP detachment recently dedicated some time to remind children in the community about the importance of keeping safety in mind this Halloween.
Accompanied by Julia Klassen, the Chinook Arch Victim's Services Society Sundre coordinator, and the organization’s friendly mascot Ringo, Const. Jared Hamilton, who is also a father of two, was among the officers who provided educational outreach.
They were at Mount Imagination Childcare Centre last Thursday morning where a group of four-year-olds offered their undivided attention as the constable discussed things to keep in mind on Halloween.
Among the main messages conveyed were to ensure young children have a parent or trusted adult chaperone accompanying them and their friends when they go out, to have a flashlight since it gets dark earlier at this time of year, to look both ways and watch for vehicles when crossing the street, and to consider lifting up masks between houses to improve visibility and reduce the possibility of, for example, tripping on steps or curbs due to tunnel vision.
Additionally, while Ringo is a particularly friendly pet who enjoys attention, some dogs can be defensive — perhaps even more so than usual when a costumed crusader comes knocking at the door — and the kids were also urged never to approach someone else’s dog without first asking permission.
And once home with a bountiful bag of candy, parents and guardians should inspect the treats to make sure they’re safe — especially when children have an allergy to peanuts, dairy or gluten.
While the presentation was geared specifically to the children, there are also nevertheless pointers adults should bear in mind.
Kids tend to get excited about Halloween — not just about getting dressed up in a costume of one of their favourite superheroes or Disney characters — but especially the prospect of getting a pile of free candy.
In their zeal as they run door to door gleefully shouting “Trick or treat!”, oncoming traffic might not register in their peripheral vision as they dart across the street.
So motorists who will be out and about on any of Sundre’s roads tomorrow night are also reminded to keep a careful eye out and be ready to stop.
We hope everyone enjoys a safe, spooky and fun Halloween!
— Ducatel is the Round Up’s editor
