Halloween shouldn't be an anxiety creator or an opportunity to break the law. In itself, trick-or-treating is an intricate endeavor requiring advanced "kid degrees" in logistics, GPS coordination and advanced goody bag acquisition … the larger the better. Tactics play a pivotal role in the activity, requiring children to hit the known "good" candy homes first, leaving the "green food" residences till last … they cannot avoid these locations entirely, for to do so would require too much diatribe with parents who want to steer their children to nutrition, even on Halloween.
Parents need to keep their children safe while making the rounds. Rural Crime Watch (RCW) encourages adults to monitor their offspring's activities carefully, making sure the little ones have safe costumes; warm, bright, fire resistant. Insist children explore the candy field in groups, the older ones keeping the youngsters in tow.
A flashlight or headlamp with a solid distance beam is a necessity; particularly in our urban/rural communities where driveways are often considerable distances apart, requiring children to walk on the road. Parents might consider carrying additional bags to switch as their charge's acquisitions gain weight.
If older children are out and about as a group, remind them that this night is not one for clowning around in the streets but one for an orderly movement from one house to the next to avoid accidents and confusion for drivers.
Homeowners should remember that trick-or-treaters will be looking for front lights to welcoming them to your door. If you aren't participating, shut your lights off and make the front of your home as dark as possible to avoid any misunderstanding.
Residents who are participating need to remember that the main door knockers are going to be very young without the skills to differentiate between Mr. Jones the nice neighbor and the "monster" who greeted them at your door complete with a face contorting mask and scary voice. Make sure your home's exterior is a safe environment for children and they are not going to trip over hoses, rakes and similar dangers.
This may be a no-brainer but it is worth mentioning regardless – children should not go inside homes or cars even if they know the person well. Precaution is always the best avenue on this night of surprises and spookiness.
Lastly, remember the next day is school; so limiting candy consumption will bring benefits on the morrow when your child isn't throwing up in the bus.
RCW extends our appreciation to Cariboo Regional District directors Art Dumaresq, Bruce Rattray, Al Richmond and their colleagues for their financial support.
Rural Crime Watch welcomes your input at www.ruralcrimewatch.com and on Facebook.
Happy Halloween!