RCMP, volunteers in full force for Halloween festivities in Merritt
Young Emma and many of her friends will out searching for treats again tonight (Photo Facebook)
With trick-or-treaters just hours from hitting the streets of the Nicola Valley in search of candy, members of the Merritt RCMP, along with other community partners, are planning to ensure everybody has a safe and happy Halloween.
Constable Blake Chursinoff says the most important thing is that the kids are kept safe, and properties are undamaged.
“We’ll be doing our part to make sure the community has a fun, safe Halloween. At the end of the day, we hope that everybody has a great time, and everyone makes it home safe, and no damage is done.”
He also reminds drivers to pay extra attention to children trick-or-treating, and that once again, officers will be focused on keeping impaired drivers off the road.
Several other groups, such as the newly created Merritt Citizens on Patrol, will also be on alert this evening, making sure everyone has a fun evening of trick or treating.
Parents are also being asked to ensure their children are safe by making sure they are dressed appropriately for Halloween.
- Costumes with flowing skirts, capes, or baggy sleeves, oversized costumes, and costume accessories such as beards, wigs, wings, and tails can all be hazardous around candles or other ignition sources.
- Choose costumes and accessories that are less likely to catch on fire, such as those made of nylon or heavyweight polyester.
- Some costumes may be labelled flame-resistant, but remember, flame-resistant does not mean fire-proof.
- Pick brightly colored costumes that can be clearly seen by motorists. Add reflective tape to the costume to increase visibility.
- Use make-up or face paint instead of masks – improperly fitted masks can interfere with your child’s vision or breathing.
- If you do choose a mask, make sure it fits properly and allows them to see and breathe easily.
Parents are also encouraged to keep their children safe by teaching them to stay visible and to be aware of their surroundings.
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Getting ready for a ghoulish time. Five year-old Evelyn shows off her costume from last year. (Marius Auer)
Go trick-or-treating with your children each year until they are old enough to go with a friend.
- Give each child a flashlight to carry, to make them more visible to motorists and others.
- Tell your children to stay in well-lit areas and only visit homes that have their outside lights turned on. Make sure they know never to go inside homes or cars.
- Teach your children to be careful when crossing the street. Make sure they look both ways and only cross when no cars are coming. Cross streets at the corner, and never cross between parked cars.
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