Halloween Safety Tips

From our Crime Prevention Coordinator, Terrie Johnston, here are some tips for having a safe Halloween:

• Know your trail: What route will you take? Don’t take short cuts through alleyways, back yards or parks.
• Whose homes will you visit? Advise your parents of your plans.
• Is there an adult going along? If not, tell parents with whom you’ll be.
• Stay together w/your group and have a plan should someone get lost.
• Only trick or treat at homes with front porch lights on.
• NEVER enter the house or car of a stranger.
• When will you be home?  Carry a cell phone & call if you will be late.
• Carry a flashlight or light sticks.  It makes it easier to see and shows you where you are going.  Reflective tape/material is a good idea to add to your costume.
• Make-up is safer than a mask, which can make seeing difficult.
• Drivers have a hard time seeing you at night, so cross the road carefully and stay on main streets/sidewalks.  Use crosswalks, and wait for a walk signal. Never cross from between parked cars.
• Be careful of open flames from pumpkins and candles, as they can catch your costume and long wigs on fire.
• Are your shoes safe and comfortable for walking?
• Have your parents check out your candy when you get home before you eat any.

For the ghosts who stay home:

• Greet treaters at the door.
• Remove obstacles from sidewalk, porch and steps.
• Keep a light on, so treaters can see where they are walking.
• Use your peep hole and look outside before opening the door.
• Don’t leave your pet out in the yard on Halloween.  
• Be mindful of pets around lit pumpkins.
• Chocolate is poisonous to animals, as are tin foil or candy wrappers.

 Remember you can call 9-1-1 to report suspicious or criminal activity, 24 hours a day.