Tips for Staying Safe this Halloween

Halloween is upon us and while you put the finishing touches on those costumes and get ready for a fun night out, remember that staying safe needs to be a priority.

Luckily, your local police department has some valuable tips to help make this Halloween a safe and enjoyable one for everyone.

So go out dressed in your ghoulish best and trick-or-treat until you heart’s content, just remember to follow these simple tips and have a great time.

General Tips:

• Trick or Treat when it is still light outside.
• If you must go out in the dark, make certain your costume is light in color. Put fluorescent or reflective tape on your costume so that you can be seen by motorists, and carry a flashlight.
• Don’t go into homes of people you don’t know
• Wear a costume that is easy to walk in and see out of. A facemask will keep you from seeing well. Take off the mask before crossing the street. Consider using makeup instead of a mask.
• Trick-or-treat with an older brother or sister or parent. If someone older can’t go with you, go with a group of children.
• Trick-or-treat only in your own neighborhood or one that is known to you. Plan your route ahead of time and pick streets that are well lighted. Tell your family the route you will take.
• Cross streets only at corners and always look before crossing. Never cross the street from behind parked cars and walk facing traffic.
• A reasonable curfew should be observed for older children.
• Wait until you get home to sort, check and eat your treats. Do not eat candy or other treats that are not wrapped in their standard wrappers, unless you are certain of their source. Parents should inspect all candy prior to eating, especially unwrapped or loosely wrapped candy. Fruit and homemade baked goods should also be inspected carefully and cut into small pieces or not eaten if there is any question.

Motorist Tips:

• Drive extra carefully on Halloween. The speed limit in residential areas is 25 M.P.H.
• Drive defensively. Due to many private Halloween parties, there will undoubtedly be more drunk drivers on the road.