Halloween tips from safety to smashing pumpkins

As kids put the finishing touches on costumes, and residents check out sales for last-minute buys on candies, there are a few other Halloween tricks to keep in mind:

A Saskatchewan tradition for 23 years, the Access Communications Pumpkin Patrols will be out in communities across the province to help keep the streets safe for trick-or-treaters.

Access volunteers and community partners will patrol the streets from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday in 12 communities, including Regina, Estevan, Weyburn, Battleford, North Battleford, Yorkton, Humboldt, Melfort, Warman, Martensville, Air Ronge and La Ronge.

Each Access Pumpkin Patrol vehicle is equipped with signage, a flashing orange light, and a direct link to law enforcement if needed.

To learn more, go to www.myaccess.ca/inthecommunity.

Done with your jack-o-lantern?

The city is urging residents to “Green your Halloween” with a free pumpkin smash event on Saturday. On Nov. 2 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Fleet Training Facility, across from the yard waste depot, residents can smash their pumpkin from a platform or let a City of Regina staff member drop it from 30-70 feet on a target below. Other activities include pumpkin bowling, waste sorting bean bag toss as well as snacks and beverages.

The City will take all the smashed pumpkins to the yard waste depot to be composted. Any pumpkin is suitable as long as it hasn’t been painted. Any decorations attached to a pumpkin need to be removed. Visit regina.ca for more information.

The Regina police have a few safety tips for trick-or-treaters: Add some light-coloured or reflective elements to your costume to make you more visible; use scary makeup/face paint instead of a mask; avoid trip hazards like hems dragging or pieces trailing; carry a flashlight; stay in familiar neighbourhoods and on well-lit streets; walk on the sidewalks (not on the grass), cross at the crosswalk only, and look both ways before crossing the street; travel in groups, accompanied by an adult or an older sibling; avoid pets you don’t know unless the owner is around and can help approach the animal safely; don’t go inside a stranger’s house; save all treats until home so a parent or older sibling can check the treats; and if you see someone in trouble, call for help. Get an adult or older sibling to call 911.