VIDEOS
Halloween Safety Tips
Every Halloween children look forward to dressing up as their favorite character to go trick or treating through the neighbourhood. While it is an exciting time for kids, it is important for parents and homeowners to follow some simple safety tips to ensure it is also a safe time.
· Children should trick or treat in groups in a familiar neighbourhood. Younger children should be accompanied by a trusted adult who accompanies them to the door of every home they approach.
· Review road safety rules, such as looking both ways before crossing the road and create a specific route for children to follow. Stay on side of the street and then cross over at the end of the block. Avoid crisscrossing the street.
· Carry a flashlight for extra visibility and only visit homes where the lights have been turned on. Remind children to never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle.
· Ensure children are dressed for the weather and that their costumes are easily visible by incorporating bright colors and reflective taped. Avoid masks with limited visibility or use face paint instead.
· Inspect all candy received and throw away any unwrapped or unsealed items.
· Homeowners, turn on your home’s exterior lights so children can easily find the front door. Keep candles or other flammable items out of the reach of children.
· Secure pets for the evening as they may become frightened with all the unfamiliar visitors to your home.
· For the adults – if you have plans to go out to celebrate, don’t drink and drive, plan ahead to ensure you have a safe ride home.
Have a safe and fun Halloween!
Video Courtesy of Shaw TV Medicine Hat
Walking the Beat with the MHPS: Motor Vehicle Collisions
The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) has partnered with Accident Support Services International Ltd. in the operation of Collision Reporting Centre (CRC). The Medicine Hat CRC improves service to the public by offering a streamlined process for reporting property damage vehicle collisions. The CRC is located in the lobby of the MHPS, located at 884 2nd Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB.
In cases where a collision occurs and the vehicles are moveable, once reported to 9-1-1 citizens will be directed to drive to the CRC to complete the required police report. In cases where vehicles are not moveable, tow trucks will be dispatched to the scene to clear the vehicles and transport parties involved to the CRC. Upon arrival at the centre, citizens will be greeted by a member of the Accident Support Services staff who will provide assistance in completing the required forms, contacting the insurer or a loved one and even starting the claims process.
Collisions that are eligible for reporting at the CRC include: any property damage collisions where the damage is estimated to be over $2,000, but there are no injuries or criminal offences involved. The MHPS will investigate the collision when there is injury or death, criminal activity (including alcohol) one or more of the vehicles are federally, provincially or municipally owned, one of the vehicles is transporting dangerous goods, or there is damage to private municipal or highway property. Police will also attend to assist with traffic problems and will investigate the collision when the circumstances are such that it would be a serious hardship to ask the claimants to attend to the CRC.
Arrangements have been made with towing companies to have the vehicle brought to the MHPS, whether it is immediately after the incident or some time later when the CRC is open. Vehicles involved in a collision are photographed, and claimants are provided with copies of all necessary documentation in connection with their claim.
Following a collision, claimants are advised to attend to the Collision Reporting Centre which is open as follows:
Monday to Friday
8 AM to 6 PM
Saturday
11 AM to 5 PM
Sundays and Holidays Closed
The Traffic Safety Act states that all motor vehicle collisions involving injury or
death, where there is damage to highway property, and where the combined damage
exceeds $2000 must be reported to the police.
What should l do if I get involved in a collision?
- Check to determine if the police must investigate the collision. Call 9-1-1 to report if you are unsure.
- If it is safe to do so, remove the vehicle from the roadway.
- Exchange information with the other involved persons, including independent witnesses. Obtain names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance and vehicle particulars.
- As soon as possible, attend with your vehicle to the Collision Reporting Centre.
- Bring your documentation with you to the Collision Reporting Centre, ie. Drivers license, ownership and insurance.
The Medicine Hat Collision Reporting Centre will be pleased to answer your questions and can be reached at:
PHONE: 403-581-1070
FAX: 403-581-1063
EMAIL: medicinehat@accsupport.com
School & Playground Zone Change - Effective Sept 1, 2016
As of September 1, 2016, Medicine Hat School and Playground Zones will see a change, requiring drivers to slow down to 30 km/h between 7:30 am and 9:00 pm, every day of the year.
Video courtesy of Shaw TV Medicine Hat
Victim Services Dog - Mulder
Mulder's Graduation
On Sunday, May 29, 2016 Victim Services dog Mulder, was one of 16 dogs to graduate from the Dogs With Wings program in Edmonton, AB. Upon graduation, Mulder and his handler Victim Services Coordinator Bobbi Jo Bradley returned home to Medicine Hat, to begin his work with the Medicine Hat Police Service Victim Services Section.
Mulder is the sixth dog of his kind in Alberta trained to work with victim services. From the time Mulder was several days old his
trainers started introducing him to sounds and textures. His proper training started daily at 8 weeks of age. He will be used to comfort victims by offering short-term animal therapy to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and other emotions that can come from high-stress situations.
Victim Services dogs like Mulder are especially a great comfort to children. Mulder’s training and certification
allows him to function unobtrusively in public places, to ignore distractions, and to be attuned to people’s emotions.
As a working dog Mulder will wear a MHPS service vest while on duty and will be eased into operations during the summer months.
Stories from the South Alberta Light Horse
Interview with MHPS Chief Andy McGrogan
Originally aired on Shaw TV Medicine Hat on November 7, 2015