Stay safe while enjoying trick-or-treating
Trick-or-treating is almost upon us, and with it the necessity of reminding families and motorists to prioritize safety.
As excited as your children are to select their costumes, it is important to remember that costumes should include reflective or brightly colored portions to assist with visibility. Masks should not obscure or block children’s vision.
Costumes should not hinder children’s ability to safely walk and cross streets.
Flashlights and glow sticks can also help children be seen by motorists, preventing tragedies. Families, of course, should look both ways before crossing streets and cross streets where it is most appropriate. Remind your children, as frequently as needed, to walk and not run.
Young children should be accompanied by a trusted adult. If older children are trick-or-treating without adult supervision, they should still go out in groups, with clearly set curfews and expectations of checking in with parents and guardians.
The website for the American Red Cross further reminds children to be cautious around animals, particularly dogs and to only accept treats at the door and to not enter strangers’ houses even if they invite children in and reminds families to discuss the route the trick-or-treating will take in case anyone gets separated.
The Red Cross also suggests that families passing out candy should make sure the way up to their homes is well-lit and free of any obstacles that could lead to youngsters tripping and falling.
We hope motorists who must travel during their community’s trick-or-treating will exercise greater caution and vigilance than usual.
Follow the speed limits and be alert for the greater numbers of youngsters out enjoying the holiday.
Halloween and trick-or-treating are beloved traditions in our communities — and we hope that with foresight and care, they can remain full of joy and excitement for our region’s families.