Local Police Offer Halloween Safety Tips

As children gear up for their big night out on the town, parents might find Halloween to be a bit tricky where safety is concerned.

Both the and the Livingston County Sheriff's Department will have extra patrols on Halloween night. The departments have provided the following safety tips to to ensure this Halloween is a 'howling' good time for all.

Tips for parents

• Children under 12 should be with an adult.
• Discuss a route the children intend to follow and establish a return time.
• Know the names of any other children in the group.
• Instruct the children to only travel in familiar areas that are well lit.
• Make sure the children do not eat any candy until they return home and a parent inspects it.
• Carry a flashlight.
• Consider a glow stick or glow bracelet on your child so you can pick them out in a crowd of kids.

Tips for homeowners

• Make sure your yard is clear of any obstruction that could cause a child to fall or get injured.
• Put away your pets so they don't bite a trick-or-treater.
• Use battery powered jack o'lanterns instead of a real flame candles.
• If a candle is used place it in an area away from trick-or-treaters.

Tips for motorists

• Drive well below the speed limit.
• Watch for children (some may be in dark clothing) running and crossing streets.
• Be very careful backing up because children may not be paying attention.

Rules for children

• Do not enter an apartment, house or car of a stranger for any reason.
• Walk; do not run, from house to house.
• Walk on sidewalks if available, not in the street.
• If crossing yards or lawns be careful of unseen objects or uneven ground.
• Do not eat any candy until your parents inspect it.

Costume safety tips

• Only use fire-retardant material for costumes.
• Masks can obstruct vision. Use face makeup instead. If a mask must be worn make sure it has large openings for the eyes, nose and mouth.
• Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard (falls are a leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween).
• Do not allow children to carry sharp objects, knives and swords should be made of plastic or cardboard.
• Use reflective tape when available.

Treats

• Insist that children don't eat anything until they get home and it is inspected.
• Parents should inspect the candy for signs of tampering such as open wrappers, holes, crushed or flattened items, etc.
• When in doubt, throw it out.