It's that time again for the ghosts, goblins, witches, princesses, wizards and cartoon characters to make an appearance on our neighbourhoods. Kids of all ages are eagerly waiting to dress up for October 31, Halloween night – and that includes me. The day has always been special for me because it's a chance to be a bit silly, don a costume and go walking around the community meeting your neighbours. Not to mention, you get free candy!
Growing up, my parents always made a big deal about holidays and special events, and Halloween was no exception. We would always help decorate the house from top to bottom, often weeks in advance - we were usually the first ones to have our decorations up in the area. We wanted to make Halloween last as long as possible. On Halloween night, my mom would make a special dinner before my sisters and I headed out trick-or-treating with my dad. Mom stayed home and handed out all the treats. We always ended the evening with a visit at my aunt's where my dad would ring the door bell and then hide in the exact same spot every year and scare her in the very same way every year. By the time we got home, we were exhilarated, exhausted and ready for bed.
I want to make sure everybody enjoys their Halloween night as much as I did growing up. It's an exciting night and there is lots of energy and eagerness to get to the next house to see what kind of treats they are handing out, but it's important to be safe and street smart.
Let's start with the costume. You should try to pick costumes that are bright or light-coloured. If your costume is dark, use reflective tape or arm bands to make sure you're visible to traffic. Fun necklaces with glow sticks are always a good idea! Make sure your costume allows you to see well, and avoid anything that could be a trip hazard. A small flashlight is always good to bring along, you can keep it in your treat bag, then you'll know where it is if you need it.
It's a great idea to make a plan or map of your route so everyone knows which way you're travelling. This is important in case parents need to find their children in the event of an emergency. And speaking of emergencies, make sure the children know how to contact a parent, relative or close adult friend if they are trick-or-treating with a group of friends and need help.
As you're making your way from door to door, try to visit all the houses on one side of the street before crossing to the other. Always cross at corners or intersections, and remember to look both ways and wait for cars to come to a complete stop before stepping out onto the street. If there are sidewalks in your community then please use them and if not, then make sure you are walking towards traffic and as far off the road as possible.
Homeowners can help create a safe environment for trick-or-treaters by making sure their property is well lit, including turning the porch light on. Please make sure your walkways are obstacle free to prevent anyone from tripping or their costume getting caught on something. If you see any suspicious activity, whether around your home or while trick-or-treating, be sure to call police.
There is always lots of traffic on Halloween night as the distance between homes, especially in rural areas, is too far to walk for many youngsters. There's also lots of drop-offs and pick-ups of the children at their friends' homes. And of course, lots of little ghosts and goblins out walking. If you are out driving please slow down and pay attention to the trick-or-treaters.
I will be working on Halloween night and I am looking forward to seeing the children and costumes in St. Stephen. I plan to be at the corner of Queen and Abbott streets with the police lights flashing to remind motorists to slow down. I will also have treats for those children who come to see me.
I'm looking forward to working on Halloween night, because seeing all the little ones in costumes always takes me back to when I was their age and so excited to be out trick-or-treating. It doesn't matter what age you are, we can all be safe and have fun.
Cst. Catherine Allard has been a member of the RCMP for three years and St. Stephen is her first detachment.