KEEPING OUR CHILDREN SAFE, DRUG FREE

It is that time of year when the children in our community are
finalizing the finishing touches to their trick or treat outfits and
law enforcement agencies remind all of us about the dangers of drugs.
As the chief of police and the prevention officer we wish to encourage
all of you to participate in Red Ribbon Week and provide some tips to
keep safe of Halloween night.

Red Ribbon Week

The Red Ribbon Campaign is now the oldest and largest drug prevention
program in the nation reaching millions of young people during Red
Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31 each year. The Red Ribbon Campaign was started
when drug traffickers in Mexico City murdered Drug Enforcement Agent
Kiki Camarena in 1985. The red ribbon is worn to display a symbol of
intolerance towards the use of drugs and present a commitment toward
keeping kids drug free. Wear your red badge proudly and have the
courage to say no to drugs!

Since the time Red Ribbon Week was established, the drug of choice has
changed many times. But as parents, the key to keeping children safe
is to talk about the dangers of drug abuse. Prescription drugs have
become more of a problem too. Parents should set clear rules for our
children about not using drugs, be a good example for our children by
not using illegal drugs or medicine without a prescription.

More than 3.1 million teenagers between the ages of 12 to 17 report
abusing prescription drugs, therefore relatives should lock up their
medication or place it where children cannot access it. Also remember
to dispose of older medication properly to ensure that it is not abused.

Keeping up to date on the most commonly abused types of prescription
medications, like pain relievers, sedatives, stimulants or
tranquilizers is important as well as communicate the dangers to your
child regularly. Do not be afraid to repeat the message, once is not
enough. It could be the difference between life and death.

Safety tips for trick or treat

It's time to say trick or treat! As the end of October approaches us
we have one of our biggest events for our youth and youth at heart,
Halloween. This year like others in the past we want this Halloween to
be fun and safe for all.

As a Marco Island tradition, trick or treat will again take place at
dusk Oct. 31. For everyone to enjoy the spirits of ghost and goblins,
the Marco Island Police Department asks for every participant to
consider some good safety tips.

- Trick or treaters please use make-up instead of mask so you can
see.

- Wear light-colored reflective clothing and keep costumes short to
prevent trips or falls.

- Carry a flashlight or light stick.

- Stay with parents guardians and for the older children stay in
groups.

- Be respectful of other people and their property.

- Don't go inside homes or vehicles.

- Stop at well-lighted houses.

- Use sidewalks.

- Stop, look and listen at street corners.

- Keep a safe distance between you and moving cars.

Parents/guardians lets make you're trick or treat trouble free by
following some of these safety tips.

- Adults should accompany young children.

- Make sure children have access to a phone and know where to reach
parents/guardians.

- Check and inspect all treats in a well-lighted place.

- Eat only unopened candies and other treats that are in original
wrappers. Any suspicious candies or treats found the Marco Island
Police Department needs to be notified right away.

- Have children approach well lit homes, and set a specific time for
older children out trick or treating to return home.

- Use sidewalks.

- For the youth at heart who help us have a great Halloween please
remember to make sure yards and walkways are well lit and clear of
debris.

- Consider distributing healthy alternatives to candy such as pencils,
popcorn, stickers or tooth brushes.

- Keep costume children away from your pets.

- Watch for passing vehicles and obey traffic laws.

- Use extreme caution when driving through residential
areas.

The Marco Island Police Department will be out in full force that
night. Along with uniform officers on patrol in vehicles, bikes, and a
golf cart. The Marco Island Police Foundation will be assisting
Halloween night by being out at comers and passing out their famous
glow bracelets to each and every goblin.

If you have a concern or question, please make anyone of these
individuals aware. If an emergency arises please dial 911. Halloween
can be a lot of fun for parents and kids alike - if everybody
remembers the tricks and treats of playing it safe. Have a fun and
safe Halloween from the Marco Island Police Department. Together we
can keep our children drug free and safe during Halloween.