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October 27, 2005 10:20 am
Editor's notes: Localize this story with input from your own community.
Treat yourself to a safe Halloween
The key to having a safe holiday is to follow a few simple guidelines regarding safety and responsible trick-or-treating.
By Rachel Kubicek
CNHI News Service
JOPLIN, Mo. — Halloween can be a fun and exciting holiday, enjoyed by one and all if the proper precautions are taken prior to the evening’s activities.
The key to having a safe holiday is to follow a few simple guidelines regarding safety and responsible trick-or-treating.
Safety first
Cpl. Jim Wallace of the Joplin Police Department has several suggestions for safe trick-or-treating.
“Always carry a flashlight and wear light or reflective clothing if trick-or-treating after dark,” Wallace said. “Don’t run across the street. Walk on the sidewalk and obey all pedestrian laws.”
Wallace said wearing reflective strips attached to clothing or carrying something visible will help motorists see those walking around after dark.
He also stressed the importance of not leaving homes unattended.
“Although you shouldn’t leave your home unattended at any time, because of the nature of the holiday, burglaries are more common around Halloween,” Wallace said.
If possible, ask a friend or relative to stay at your house if you have to be gone for several hours for Halloween festivities.
Stay with the kids
Heather Mooney of Riverton, Kan., said that since her family lives in a rural area, she drives her two kids to subdivisions to do their trick-or-treating.
She said that it is important for parents to stay within sight of their children, no matter how old they are.
“I will go up to the door with my sons this year because my youngest, Dawson, is only 18 months old,” Mooney said. “However, last year my oldest son, Dayton, was 7 and we let him walk up to the homes on his own while my husband and I stood by the car and watched him. I always made sure we were visible to whoever answered the door so they knew there was someone watching him the entire time.”
Inspect the candy
Wallace said parents should carefully inspect all Halloween candy before it is eaten.
“Throw away anything that is not tightly wrapped. If you notice a sharp object, notify the police right away,” he said.
Keep track of where you have been when making your trick-or-treating rounds/ That way, if something suspicious or harmful is found, you can help law enforcement track down its origin, he said.
Rachel Kubicek writes for The Joplin (Mo.) Globe.
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