It seems only appropriate that Halloween has a way of creeping up on you. Before you know it, there will be ghosts and goblins at your door demanding treats and threatening tricks across the city. And for the 23rd straight year, the Rogers Pumpkin Patrol will be going out along with them to ensure they don't get into anything too scary.
The safety guardians gave an annual preview of their handiwork at Toronto Police Headquarters Friday, revealing there will be 150 vans and 300 employees fanning out across the GTA on October 31st to keep an eye out when your kids don't.
The holiday may be nearly a month away, but it's never too early to get ready for it. Here are some other things to keep in mind:
Costumes:
- 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
- Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet
- A mask can limit or block eyesight, which can be dangerous: consider non-toxic and hypo-allergenic makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative
- When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant
- Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords
- Plan ahead to use only battery powered lanterns or chemical light sticks in place of candles in decorations and costumes
- Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Items such as flower pots, low tree limbs, sprinklers or garden hoses may prove hazardous to young children rushing from house to house.
- Review with your children the principle of "Stop-Drop-Roll", should their clothes catch on fire
- Teach children their home phone number and to how call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost and remind them that they can call 9-1-1 for free from any public or cellular phone
Trick or Treating
- Only trick-or-treat in well known areas that are well lit
- Only go to houses that have the porch lights on, and never go inside
- Always walk on the sidewalk
- When crossing a street, remove all masks or wigs that will interfere with your vision
- Never enter a stranger's house or car for a treat, and don't eat your candy until an adult at home has checked it
For more things your child should know, check out the interactive
Pumpkin Patrol site here.