Neighborhood Watch Alerts

For everyone choosing to participate in Halloween this year, giving out candy or taking youngsters out, here are a few safety reminders to make sure everyone has a fun time.

 

 

• When out Trick or Treating, younger children should always go with an adult or responsible older sibling.  If older children are going out on their own, they should always go in a group.
• Using flashlights, glow sticks or reflective tape on costumes will give additional visibility to trick or treaters.
• Avoid dark and unlit houses.  People will often turn off their outdoor lights if they choose not to participate or are simply not at home.
• Child should never go inside a stranger’s house.
• When crossing a street, cross at crosswalks and street corners.   Make eye contact with drivers before you cross.  Avoid crossing between cars parked on the street.
• Slow down.  There is plenty of candy for everyone.  Walk, don’t run, to avoid accidents. 
• Pay attention when walking past driveways to make sure cars are not pulling in or out.
• Wear non-toxic makeup instead of a traditional Halloween mask, which may hinder sight.  If you choose to wear a mask, make sure it fits well.
• Costume accessories, such as swords, shouldn’t be sharp.  They should be soft and flexible.
• Do not eat candy until an adult checks it.  We’ve all heard the horror stories about needles, razor blades, etc. in candy.  We always get questions about this and I have not seen an instance of this happening.  However there are plenty of other good reasons to check out candy before they eat, allergies being one.  Eat only factory wrapped candy and stay away from homemade treats.

 

 

• If you are going to be driving around on Halloween, please avoid distractions and be extra observant, especially in residential areas and around schools.  With the excitement, and probably a little help from all the sugar, youngsters don’t always pay as close attention to traffic as they should.
• If you are participating by handing out candy, remember to have the path to your door well-lit and free from tripping and other hazards.  Even if you are not participating, it’s still a good idea to remove any hazards to keep everyone safe.
• With a number of people being out and about in our neighborhoods, do not leave the theft opportunity of an open vehicle.  Make sure you lock your vehicles and remove all valuables.   
• With Halloween on the weekend, if you are celebrating at a Halloween party, don’t forgot to plan ahead for a way home.  Call an Uber or make plans for a designated driver.