Pumpkin Patrol hitting the streets of Azilda

The fourth annual Operation Pumpkin Patrol hits the streets of Azilda Halloween night.

Greater Sudbury Police Service is again partnering with Emergency Medical Services, Greater Sudbury Fire Services, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Citizens on Patrol volunteers to ensure a safe night of trick or treating.

The fun kicks off at 6 p.m. at the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre. Police officers, auxiliary constables and Insp. Murphy Mooseau will join EMS, firefighters and the MNR in patrolling the streets.

They will make their way through neighbourhoods, handing out candy and stickers, en route to the Edgar Leclair Arena, where Operation Pumpkin Patrol will meet and greet the children, answer questions, pose for photos and hand out treats. There will also be a haunted house.

The Patrol will leave the Edgar Leclair Arena around 7:30 p.m. and will make its way back to the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre, ending at approx. 8 p.m.

Donations for this event have been provided by Rainbow District Animal Control and Shelter Services, Chartrand’s Independent Grocer in Chelmsford and the Azilda Community Action Network.

In preparation for Halloween, Greater Sudbury Police Service wants to reiterate the importance for parents to keep every child`s safety in mind when planning costumes, decorations, treats and activities.

Choose the right costume - Ensure that your children are dressed appropriately for Halloween

-Pick brightly coloured costumes that can be clearly seen by motorists. Add reflective tape to the costume to increase visibility if necessary.

-Use make-up or face paint instead of masks - improperly fitted masks can interfere with your child's vision.

-If you do choose a mask, make sure it fits properly and allows the child to see clearly.
-Avoid costumes that are too big or have long dangling pieces that children can trip over.

-Ensure that toy weapons and similar accessories are made of soft or flexible material. Hard or rigid costume accessories can cause accidents or injuries.

-Choose costumes that fit well and can be worn over warm clothing to protect your child against cold and wet weather.

Avoid danger when decorating - Stay vigilant and prevent injuries while getting into the spirit of Halloween

-Candles, jack-o-lanterns, lighters and matches are all fire hazards. Place lighted candles and jack-o-lanterns away from curtains and other flammable objects, and do not leave them unattended. Instead of candles, consider using a small flashlight or battery candle to light your jack-o-lantern.

-Check indoor and outdoor decorative lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections. Do not overload extension cords.

-Make your home safe for little ghouls and goblins by removing objects around the outside of your house that could cause children to trip or fall - turn on outdoor lights to increase visibility and let trick-or-treaters know they can visit.

Stay secure while trick or treating - teach your children to be aware of their surroundings

-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 strangers` vehicles.

-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.

Be cautious with candy - always examine the treats before giving them to your children

-Tell your children not to eat any treats until you have looked them over.

-Be careful when giving children treats that could be potential choking hazards such as chewy candies, peanuts and hard candies.

-Throw out any suspicious items – if you are unsure, put it in the trash.