Share

Keeping kids and adults safe for Halloween

Children under the age of 12 should not trick-or-treat without an adult present.

Advertisement

A concern for many parents on Halloween night is predators lurking around when children are trick-or-treating.

When it comes to gathering the treats, Lee advises parents to inspect all the candy upon returning home.

Make sure your costume does not drag the ground.

Decorate costumes with reflective tape and have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights.

Costumes should be labeled flame resistant and be the right size so they don’t create a trip hazard. Kids could also opt for face paint instead of masks, but the American Academy of Pediatrics warns against colored contacts. If they’re old enough to trick-or-treat without an adult, tell your kids to stay in a group. If there is no sidewalk and you have to walk on the street, always walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.

If you are not going with the kids, map out a route for them to follow.

Hampshire police have also reminded anyone who does not want trick or treaters bothering them that they are not obliged to open the door. However, I have checked further and there appears to be -no specific threat- at this time.

Turn on all exterior lights to discourage vandalism.

Ensure that extension power cords used to illuminate exterior decorations do not extend over any pedestrian walkway.

Remove personal vehicles from the street. Park off-street in the driveway or garage where possible.

“We’ll probably be putting a few extra manpower out on the street specifically targeting impaired drivers there will also be targeting those hot spots where we commonly have impaired driving activity”, Sgt. Jones said.

Advertisement

The costumes are ready, the candy is purchased, the kids are excited … now it’s time to go over the most important part of Halloween: Keeping your family safe.

Trick-o-Treat generic