Tips To Keep Kids Safe On Halloween Night

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Southampton Police want to ensure kids stay safe on Halloween.

To that end, police have released tips for parents and homeowners to read as the spooky day approaches.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nationwide the number of deaths among young pedestrians increases 4.5 times on Halloween evening compared with the same time period all other nights of the year.

Children trick or treating frequently cross streets at mid-block rather than at corners or crosswalks, putting them at risk for pedestrian injury, police said this week.

The Southampton Town Police Department put out a release asking drivers to be on alert for increased pedestrian traffic, slowing down in areas where children could be trick or treating, and coming to a complete stop at all stop signs, proceeding with extreme caution.

Following are tips from the Southampton Town Police Department:

Tips for Trick-or-Treaters

- Trick or treat by going to all houses on one side of the street, crossing at the corner, and then going down the other side, thereby minimizing the amount of time spent dashing across dark streets.

- Trick or treat in groups, in well-lit neighborhoods and stay on the sidewalk.

- Obey traffic signals and don't cut across yards or driveways.

- Carry a flashlight and make sure costumes are bright and don't drag on the ground.

- Wear shoes that fit and avoid wearing masks that obstruct your vision.

- Stay away from strangers, and animals you don't know.

- Young children should be accompanied by an adult. Older children not being escorted by an adult should carry a cell phone and have in their possession some form of identification. Police suggest they wear a watch that can be read in the dark.

Tips for Parents

- Parents should have a detailed description of what their children are wearing and know exactly where their children are going.

- Taking a photo of child on a phone is also advisable.

- Always advise children at what time to be home and where parents can be reached.

Tips for Homeowners

- Make sure your yard is clear of ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flowerpots that can trip trick or treaters.

- Pets get frightened on Halloween, so keep them inside to protect them from inadvertently biting a trick or treater.

- Battery powered jack o'lantern candles are preferable to real flames.

The Southampton Town Police Department will also be intensifying patrols, utilizing marked and unmarked vehicles to deter malicious property damage and other potential unlawful incidents, police said.

Patch photo by Lisa Finn