25th Annual Rogers Pumpkin Patrol Prepares To Roll Out, Halloween Safety Tips

As kids across the GTA head out Saturday evening to trick-or-treat there’ll be extra eyes scanning the streets to ensure pint-sized ghouls and goblins stay safe.

This Halloween marks the 25th year of the Rogers Pumpkin Patrol program. Volunteers plan to slowly cruise the streets in red Rogers trucks to ensure kids are safe and to raise drivers’ awareness.

This is a nation-wide effort will include nearly 500 Rogers trucks and more than 1,000 employees taking part.

Here’s a list of some Halloween safety tips, courtesy of Toronto Police:

Costume and accessories:
•    When buying a costume, wig or accessories, check the label to ensure they are flame resistant.
•    Choose a costume that is bright and reflective. Make sure that footwear fit well and the costume length is short enough to prevent tripping or entanglement.
•    Consider adding reflective tape or retro-reflective material to their treat bag and costume. Arm or leg bands made from retro-reflective material can also be used.
•    Because a mask can limit or block a child’s vision, consider using non-toxic make up, wigs and hats.
•    Swords, knives, canes and other accessories should be made from cardboard or other flexible materials. Make sure they are not to sharp or too long. A child may trip and fal l and easily hurt themselves.

On the road:
•    A good meal before leaving will help to ensure children do not fill up on treats.
•    Use flashlights and fresh batteries for your trick-or-treaters and their escorts.
•    A parent or a responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighbourhood rounds.
•    Walk instead of running.
•    Tell and make sure your children are not wearing personal stereos, MP3 players or headphones. You might not hear trouble coming. Do not flash them or other valuables around.
•    Tell your children not to eat any treat until they return home and you have inspected them. Through away any unwrapped, spoiled or suspicious items.
•    If older children plan to go out in a group, plan and review their route. Agree on a specific time for them to return home.
•    Only go to familiar homes and those that are well lit. Never enter the home or any vehicle for a treat.
•    Stay in the group and communicate where you are going.
•    Carry a cell phone for emergency communication.
•    Travel on well lit streets and walk on the sidewalk. Do not take short cuts, avoid deserted areas or use alleys.
•    Travel as a group and do not cross mid-block or between cars. Use the normal cross walk or cross at the corner.
•    Ensure all traffic has stopped before crossing the street. Vehicles may have a hard time seeing trick-or-treaters.
•    Vandalism is not a’ trick’ it is against the law and has consequences.
•    Report to Toronto Police any suspicious or unlawful activity immediately. Non-emergency  416-808-2222, emergency  9-1-1

At home:
•    Turn on your exterior lights and change any that may be burnt out.
•    Remove items from your yard that might prove a hazard to young children and visitors.
•    Keep the path leading up to your entrance free and clear of obstacles.
•    Keep pets indoors to protect them from hazards and becoming aggressive with visitors.
•    Remove any wet leaves from sidewalks and stairs.
•    If you have any outdoor Halloween displays, maintain and monitor their use and safety.

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