Trick or Treat Safety Tips

Trick: Dusk is the time of poorest visibility for motorists. At Halloween, excited children may run across the street without looking.

Treat: Help your children be visible! Invest in a roll of reflective tape (available at most drug, variety and automotive stores) and add a “safety stripe” to costume sleeves and legs. Plan for adult supervision when children will be on the streets.

Trick: Costumes are not always planned with children’s safety in mind.

Treat: Make sure that masks fit snugly without reducing vision or impairing breathing or hearing. Tape or blunt any sharp or pointed toy ‘weapons’. Treat bags and costumes should be shorter than the child, not dragging on the ground. And be sure their shoes are not slippery for climbing porch steps.

Trick: Fire hazards are abundant at Halloween.

Treat: Look for the words “Fire Retardant” on costume and wig labels. Substitute flashlights for candles. Keep a watchful eye on jack-o-lanterns, and be especially careful of any crepe paper or other flammables around your candle-lit pumpkins.

Trick: We’ve all seen news reports of candy and other treats being altered.

Treat: Advise your children to avoid this trick by not eating anything until you have inspected their treats together. If you discover anything suspicious, call the police so that other parents may be warned and those responsible apprehended and stopped.