To be safe as they hit the streets for trick-or-treating, here are tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Red Cross Central and Southern Illinois Region and the Illinois Poison Center.
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Never let children go out alone.
As another tip, before leaving your home to knock on doors and ask for candy, Seabaran encourages residents to double-check their home is properly secured and all doors and windows are locked. They should stay in a well-lit and well-populated area.
– Establish a pre-determined time that your older teenage child should return home.
Teach children to make efforts to get away from such individuals by kicking, screaming and resisting.
However, there were some unconventional trick-or-treaters too: post-pubescent teens who were taller than me and shaved regularly; and first-time parents, pushing infants dressed as pea pods and pirates in strollers, who took candy despite the obvious fact that their babies had no teeth.
Make sure kids wear light colors, or put reflective tape on their costumes.
Children should wear comfortable, well-fitting, sturdy shoes.
Do not approach any vehicles, empty or with passengers.
It seems common sense to most of us to watch the speedometer and take extra care when driving when we know children are so thoroughly saturating the streets while wearing unusual clothing and masks that may or may not provide them with a good view of their surroundings. In that case, make trick-or-treating extra-fun for yourself.
While walking, stay on the sidewalk.
Solobay said children should use glow sticks or flashlights so drivers can see them, and they should always be accompanied by an adult while trick-or-treating.
Check for holes in candy wrappers and lumps or discoloration in powdered candy.
“Instructing your children on street safety is very important, but can often be forgotten the moment your child gets together with others and the excitement of the evening builds”, Le Renard noted.
Create a solid trick-or-treat plan for where you’ll go and how long you’ll be out.
Avoid Fire – Skip the house with the candle-lined walkway.
Vandalism is a crime. Motorists may have trouble seeing you.
Don’t drink and drive.
FIGURE OUT WHAT CANDY YOU’RE GIVING OUT Head to the stores a couple of days before Halloween and figure out what you’re going to give out.
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– Always report suspicious activity to the Fremont Police Department by calling 510-790-6800 X 3 and 911 for an emergency.
