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According to the department’s school resource officer, Richard Ross, one danger is in the 165 miles of “twisting roadways in town.” Children can, he said, “become careless and excited as they walk from house to house.”
Parents should remind them to always walk facing traffic and to stay on the side of the roadway.
Among other tips:
- Costumes should be bright and reflective so the child can be easily seen. Even glow sticks are a good source of visibility. They should not be bulky or loose fitting and unsafe shoes and pointy or sharp accessories should be avoided.
- Since masks can limit or block eyesight, consider using makeup as an alternative.
- Know your child’s route for the evening, what they are wearing, who they will be with, whether there will be adult supervision and what time they’ll be home. This information will be helpful to police if help is needed in locating “an overdue person,” Ross said.
- Parents should keep in mind that some youngsters, especially those of high school age, use Halloween as a time for mischief and vandalism and they may be getting a call from police to come pick their child up at the station.
- Parents should inspect all treats before the little goblins gobble them up. Treats should be in their original, sealed wrappers. If there is any evidence of tampering, call your local police and they will contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, to determine if the suspect goody is unsafe or if it’s just a case of “manufacturer error.”
Trick-or-treaters aren’t the only ones that need reminding about safety issues on Halloween, Ross said.
- Homeowners should keep walkways clear and use plenty of lighting. This will help avoid the risk of injury and may prevent acts of vandalism on private properties.
- Motorists need to use extra caution as well. Remember, Ross said, that children will be walking around and it may be hard to see them.
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