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Beggar's Night Safety Tips

Police Chief Column
By Police Chief Brian Quinn
As published in the SNP/Arlington News

I think it can safely be said that Halloween now gives Christmas holiday decorations a run for their money, based on the elaborate displays that can be found throughout our neighborhoods each October. Halloween and, in particular, Beggar’s Night is a firm annual favorite with most of our youngsters, no doubt because it combines the fun of playing dress up with a rewarding booty of candy, following an adventurous evening of trolling the neighborhood scaring up treats from friendly neighbors.

This year’s Beggar's Night will take place Wednesday, October 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. in all Upper Arlington neighborhoods.

While good fun is the intent of the Beggar’s Night festivities, there are many safety concerns that parents and children should both be aware of to ensure the evening goes off without a hitch. Before your youngsters embark on their evening of adventure, make sure you have done your part to prepare them so they are well versed on some basic safety tips.

Costume Safety
• Costumes should be loose so warm clothing can be layered underneath.
• Costumes should not be too long, becoming a tripping hazard.
• Masks can obstruct your vision. Consider face paint or make-up as a alternative.
• If wearing a mask, it should have nose and mouth openings and large eyeholes.
• If trick-or-treating after dark, costumes should be made of light colored material or include reflective material to make children visible.
• Costume accessories, for example swords and axes should be made out of flexible materials such as cardboard or rubber. NEVER use the real thing!

Safety When Trick Or Treating
• Look both ways to check for cars before crossing the street.
• Cross only at the corners. Don’t hide or cross the street between parked cars.
• Plan your route and share it with your family. If possible, have an adult accompany you.
• Carry a flashlight to light your way.
• Keep away from open fires and candles.
• Only visit homes that have a porch light on.
• Accept treats at the door. NEVER enter a stranger’s house.
• Be cautious around animals and strangers.
• Walk from house to house. Do not run or cut across yards where there may be unknown tripping hazards.
• Walk on the left side of the road facing traffic if there are no sidewalks available.

Candy Safety
• Have a grown-up inspect your treats before eating.
• Never eat candy when the package is already opened.
• Wash fruit.
• If unsure, throw the candy out.

As always, the City’s Pumpkin Patrol will be cruising through UA neighborhoods to make sure everyone stays safe, and passing out candy to trick-or-treaters. Established in 1988, Pumpkin Patrol is an award winning Halloween safety program for children out enjoying Beggar’s Night.

In addition to our police cruisers patrolling neighborhoods, marked City trucks are outfitted with orange plastic pumpkins on top of the flashing beacon lights. The volunteers inside are City employees who are available to assist young children if they become lost, scared, hurt, or in need of assistance, and along with officers, have candy on hand to pass out to trick or treaters. All trucks are equipped with two-way radios to alert the appropriate emergency personnel.

This year, we extend our sincere gratitude to the following local businesses for donating Pumpkin Patrol candy: Giant Eagle at Kingsdale; Kroger on Henderson Road; WalMart on Bethel Road; Anthony Thomas Corp; Huffman’s Market; Fresh Market; Wild Oats on Lane Avenue.

For additional information about Pumpkin Patrol, contact the Police Division's Community Relations Unit at 583-5197.

Now, get ready for a fun and safe Halloween!

Police Division
City of Upper Arlington
3600 Tremont Road
Upper Arlington, OH 43221
Phone: 614-583-5150
www.ua-ohio.net