With kids getting ready to hit the streets tonight in search of sugary treats from friends, neighbors and random strangers who just happen to live down the street from you, several experts offer safety tips for trick-or-treating.
Erie County Sheriff Tim Howard suggests that parents map out a route and check it against the New York State Sex Offender Registry at www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/nsor. He also suggests parents accompany young children and take them out while it’s still light out. Other suggestions from Sheriff Howard include:
- Feed your children a meal or substantial snack before trick or treating.
- Have children save all candy until they get home.
- Inspect all treats; throw away unwrapped, open, or suspicious looking goodies.
- Fake knives, swords, guns, and other costume accessories can potentially cause injury. Make sure they aren’t too long for the costume and review with your child that they are part of the costume and not a weapon.
- Keep costumes short to prevent trips and falls.
- Try using make-up instead of a mask.
- Costumes with light colors and/or reflective tape are best. Someone in the group should carry a flashlight. Consider putting reflective tape on their bags too.
- Children should always trick-or-treat in groups preferably with adult supervision.
- Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
- Children should be instructed to stop only at familiar homes and where the outside lights are on.
- NEVER go into a home or car to collect treats. They should not stop at houses that are dark or do not have the porch lights turned on.
- Don’t forget to inspect fruit and homemade treats for anything that looks suspicious.
- Treats with open packaging or torn wrappers should be discarded.
- Children and adults should inspect all treats and only consume unopened candies and treats in original wrappers.
AAA offers tips, as well. They include:
- Prepare for pranksters: Vehicles are nearly twice as likely to be vandalized on Halloween as on an average day, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute. To avoid having your car egged or even stolen, park it in a secure garage or a safe, well-lit area. Double check that car doors are locked and windows are up. Arm your car alarm if you have one.
- Look out for black cats, blind spots and Batman: Drive slowly and be on the lookout for creatures that can come out of nowhere. Turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances. Don’t hesitate to use your horn if you’re concerned that trick-or- treaters may not see you coming. Never drink and drive.
- Light up the night: Generous lighting outside of your home keeps the creeps away while providing safe passage to party guests and trick-or- treaters. Keep walkways and stairs clear of debris and make sure they’re well-lit to avoid slips, trips and falls.
- Follow safe pumpkin protocol: Keep candles, lit jack-o- lanterns, matches and lighters where children can’t reach. Celebrants in unwieldy costumes – or masks that limit sight – are particularly at risk of brushing against open flames. Use flameless candles if possible.
- Beware the brew: Keep a close eye on your guests. Depending on your local laws, you could be liable for injuries they cause to themselves or others while still at your party or driving home. Serve non-alcoholic beverages and food along with your preferred potion. Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party ends.
RELATED: Halloween Trick-or-Treat times vary
Like to save money? Check out our All WNY Deals page.
