Here are some safety tips for the Trick or Treaters in our neighborhood:
Eat a good meal before trick-or-treating.
Wear reflective clothing.
Carry a flashlight or some type of lighting device.
Use sidewalks when going up to homes and don’t cut through yards.
A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
Children should not enter a stranger’s home or car, even if invited. Talk with your children about this important rule.
Homeowners should not invite children inside.
Accept treats only in the doorway, not from anyone on the street.
Parents should examine all candy before eating it.
Plan your entire route and make sure that your family knows what it is.
Be very cautious of strangers.
Only trick-or-treat at homes that have their porch light on.
Walk...don't run.
Cross the street at the corner or in a crosswalk.
Wear a watch.
Don't play near lit jack-o-lanterns.
Take a cell phone with you, if possible.
Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes. If wearing a mask, make sure that eye openings are big enough for peripheral vision.
Some Safety tips for the parents:
Turn on your porch light. For adults who are celebrating there are some things to consider when creating that "perfect" Halloween Costume.
Make sure that any accessories, such as fake guns, knifes, and other potentially dangerous items are not mistaken for the real thing.
Fire safety and visibility are also important for adult costumes. Apply the same standards to adult costumes as you do to your children's.
Remember adults that are dressed up can be pretty scary to young children. For a really GREAT interactive Halloween Safety Game to play with your kids, visit the following link: http://www.halloweenmagazine.com/play2.html
Remove objects from your yard that might present a hazard.
Drive slowly all evening...you never know what creature may suddenly cross your path.
Report ANY suspicious or criminal activity to the police at 840-4000, or if necessary 911.
Move lit Jack-O-Lanterns off the porch wehre kids get bunched up if they are trick or treating!