The Salem Police Department is in full preparation for its annual Halloween Dress Rehearsal, Saturday, October 29, 2011, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Parents are invited to bring their children in costume for an afternoon of fun and rehearsing to be safe for Halloween night. In its sixth year, the event draws families from all over Salem to have an afternoon of fun with police officers and other local partners in crime prevention and safety.
2011 will also be the year that features a new dark house where the children's ghoulish gear is checked for safety and visibility by officers. The dark house allows for parents and children to experience the challenges of seeing a pedestrian on a dark street. "The program reinforces the lesson to parents, as well as children, that sometimes pedestrians can seem invisible to a passing driver - especially on dark and drizzly Halloween nights," said Angie Hedrick, community relations analyst for the Salem Police Department Crime Prevention Unit. To complete the lesson, pedestrian rules are also reviewed.
The dark house was constructed by The Home Depot crew at the Hager's Grove Road location in southeast Salem. Manager Brian Scott offered to help bolster the event with new and improved accommodations. "In previous years, what we had was more of a tent darkened with heavy black plastic, so entering and exiting was always a challenge. Now we have lots of room," said Hedrick.
Aside from The Home Depot logo, the black structure needed customization, and the South Salem High School Art Department provided assistance. Under the direction of instructor Kathy August, art students painted fun characters to brighten the outside of the dark house. "We are very thankful for the contribution by the students and their efforts to make a difference through this event," Hedrick added.
Children attending will also receive reflective items to add to their costumes to increase their visibility on Halloween night, and children who complete their Halloween Safety Passport will increase their chances of winning more prizes. Activities sponsored by the Salem Police Cadet Unit, Willamette Valley Communications Center, Salem Library, Applebee's Restaurant, Target and The Home Depot will round out the family fun.
For families unable to attend the event, the following safety tips are offered: Start with the costume: - Make it bright, reflective, and flame resistant. Add reflective tape to the extremities of the costume or add glow sticks or glow necklaces to the design to make it fun for kids to wear. - Make sure the costume fits well in order to avoid any trips or falls due to costume length. - Wear makeup in place of a mask to ensure that a child can see properly.
Ready to walk the neighborhood: - Travel in small groups under the supervision of an adult. - Carry a flashlight and keep it lit to increase visibility. - Cross the streets at the corner and remember to look both ways before crossing. -Never cross between parked cars. - Stay on sidewalks and avoid walking along the street when walking from house to house. - Ask your Neighborhood Watch or citizen group to do a patrol on Halloween night. -Never go into a house if you don't know the residents -Don't accept rides from people unknown to you
If you are trick-or-treating with a vehicle, children should get in and out of the car on the curbside, not the traffic side.
For Salem residents who may be out and about driving on Halloween night, please remember:
- Drive with extra care. - Watch for excited children who may try to cross in the middle of the street. - Carefully exit driveways and alleyways.
We ask the entire community to assist us in making Halloween night safe and enjoyable for Salem kids.
For more information about these tips and the Halloween Dress Rehearsal, contact the Crime Prevention Unit at (503) 588-6175 or visit www.cityofsalem.net/HDR.
