Tonight’s the night! Costumed kids will be trickling through the streets, trick-or-treating from door to door. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security has a few tips to keep in mind to ensure your holiday is good spooky fun rather than seriously scary.
If you’re driving, be alert, drive slow and take extra time at intersections to make sure no one is attempting to cross. Adults attending parties where they will be drinking should make plans to stay where they are or arrange for a designated driver to get them home safely.
If you’re walking around tonight, stay in well-lit areas and use sidewalks when they’re available. If there isn’t one, walk toward the far edge of the street and never cut through yards, alleys or across the road. Utilize crosswalks and be aware of potential oncoming vehicles.
To utilize your kid’s costume to help keep them safe, attach reflective tape or bright pieces of cloth to the child’s costume or candy bag. Glow sticks also work well to increase visibility at night. Avoid masks, wigs or hats that block eyesight and be sure costumes fit properly so they won’t impair movement.
Keep an eye on your kids while you’re out and about. Ask them not to eat the candy until you have a chance to check it. Tell them they should immediately throw away any pieces that are opened or not in their original wrapper as they could possibly be contaminated.
If you have pets, it’s best to keep them in a room away from the front door to avoid stress from the frequent visitors. Also be sure they have their ID tag on in case they manage to sneak out.
Additionally, many types of candy can be toxic to dogs and cause abdominal distress so be sure all treats are out of reach from animals in the home.
For more Halloween safety tips, click the following the link, DHS: Halloween Safety Tips
