Trick or Treating Safety - Ask The Expert with Greg Marcyniuk

Greg provides Halloween safety tips in this episode of of Ask The Expert. 800 CHAB radio presents Ask the Expert with Greg Marcyniuk of Heritage Insurance located in Moose Jaw.

Here's a transcript of this episode:

Rob Carnie: 800 CHABs Ask the Expert features Greg Marcyniuk from Heritage Insurance today. And today we're going to focus on safety. And it's Halloween safety, Greg, for the kids, and for mom and dad.

Greg Marcyniuk: That's correct. It's that time of year when the little ones are all excited about the tasty treats, and I don't mind it myself. Actually, I've put on a few inches around the belly, but whatever. The biggest thing is, first of all around your house, you want to make sure that you keep your path leading up to the door free of obstacles, and have it well lit. Don't have it down dim. I know some people do have things down, but we want to keep it safe for the little ones. And in your pumpkins, instead of candles, maybe consider using inexpensive safety glow sticks. Nothing is as scary as a green Jack O' Lantern pumpkin.

As far as when it comes to costumes, you want to make sure that the kids have light and brighter costumes, reflective tape that can be put around your arms and legs so that they're highly visible. Wear a costume that is properly fitted to reduce the chances of them tripping on it, that's just key. And as well, make sure when you're selecting a costume, make sure it's flame retardant. There still is a lot of Jack O' Lanterns, a lot of candles and that around, so you want to make sure that they're flame retardant.

Make sure that the vision is not actually restricted in any way. If you can actually use face makeup for a mask, that's what most people prefer, and if you do have to have a mask, cut out the eyes so that they are not restricted on the visibility. And if a child's costume does require props such as swords or axes, make sure that you either cut the pointy end off, or just dull it off and grind it off. And again, glow sticks, I can't say enough about glow sticks. You can be creative, make some glow stick necklaces, and bracelets, whatever, just to help brighten it. And as well really, it's a good idea to accessorize the whole costume with a flashlight so it's just easier for them to see.

And before the kids hit the streets, make sure you have a route plan so that you know where your children are going, and make sure that you have an agreed curfew as well. Teach your children where they should go and where they can go, and as well, tampering is rare, it's best that they don't eat anything till they bring it home as well.

Now as far as for rules of the trick-or-treaters, again bring a flashlight, walk instead of running. I know they're excited, they want the candy, and they're going to be full of candy anyways and going hard. Stay on the sidewalks, don't jaywalk, and don't cross people lawns just for shortcuts, walk on the sidewalks. Do not go inside any homes that you are not aware of, or any vehicles for that matter. Only visit houses that are lit because typically, if the house isn't lit, people don't have candy, anyways. Stay away from animals that you're not familiar with, and again vandalism is not a trick, it's actually a law and you are breaking a law and you could face some serious consequences. But those things are covered by insurance, Rob.

Rob: Okay, good. And for motorists, reduce your speed on Halloween night.

Greg: For sure, just be aware of your surroundings. Slow down because those kids are excited to go out and have a fun evening, and that's what it's about. It's about the kids having fun.

Rob: Halloween tips, they're available online.

Greg: That's correct. At heritageinsurance.ca, or come on down to the office at the corner of First and Fairfield Street, West.

(Video transcription by Speechpad)

Trick or Treating Safety - Ask The Expert with Greg Marcyniuk

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