ASK THE DA: Halloween Safety Tips

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS
 
    With Halloween fast approaching, here are some easy tips to help keep your children safe while they enjoy trick-or-treating:

• Children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult while trick-or-treating

• Do not eat unwrapped candy and inspect all treats before eating them  

• Avoid hallways and deserted areas that are dimly lit  

• Do not enter a stranger’s home or car  

• Obey all traffic rules  

• Walk on the sidewalk and not in the street  

• Do not wear costumes that block your view  

• Do not wear clothing or accessories that suggest that you are affiliated with a gang

• Carry flashlights and wear reflective clothing at night  

• Do not wear costumes that make it difficult to walk  

• If your child is old enough and responsible enough to go out without you make sure that they have a cell phone, and instruct them to stay in well lit, well-populated areas. Preferably, it is best for a group to stay together while trick-or-treating without an adult  

• Explain to children of all ages the difference between tricks and vandalism which could be a criminal offense.  

• Pet safety should also be a consideration. Some people find Halloween to be an excuse to perpetrate acts of animal cruelty. Harming animals is morally wrong and punishable by the law 

Make this Halloween a fun, safe and a festive occasion for you and your family!