On The Infomaniacs, Friday, October 26, Lieutenant Craig Anderson with the College Station Police Department shared some safety tips for better trick-or-treating.
Craig Anderson visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia
Additional information, courtesy of the College Station Police Department:
Halloween Safety Tips
Local law enforcement would like everyone to have a safe and happy Halloween for themselves, their guests and their children. Using these safety tips and common sense can help you make the most of your Halloween season and make it as enjoyable for your kids as it is for you! Make Halloween a fun, safe and happy time by discussing the following safety tips with your children.
PREFERRED HOURS:
- This year, in an effort to increase Halloween safety, law enforcement would prefer those who choose to trick or treat, do so between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. This will not only allow our patrol officers and deputies a more concise time frame to concentrate on child safety but will provide a consistent window of time for our residents that provide treats to the children.
BEFORE TRICK-OR-TREATING:
- Parents can check the list of sex offenders in their area by clicking on the following link:
https://records.txdps.state.tx.us/DPS_WEB/SorNew/index.aspx
WHEN TRICK-OR-TREATING:
A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds and adults should remind trick-or-treaters:
- By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.
- Watch open flames from jack-o-lanterns as they can cause costumes and long wigs to catch on fire.
- Make sure that fake knives, swords, and guns are made from cardboard or other flexible materials to avoid accidental injury or worse, having them mistaken for the real thing!
- Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.
- Only trick-or-treat at homes you know and that have a porch light on.
- Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
- If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
- Never cut across yards or use alleys.
- Never enter a stranger’s home or car for any reason.
- Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
- Always walk. Never run across a street.
- Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalk or at corners (do not zig-zag across streets to go from house to house)
- Never cross the street from between parked cars.
- Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley.
- Don’t assume that you have the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will.
- Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.
- No treats should be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an adult at home.
It is also important to ensure that your home is safe and accessible to trick-or-treaters. As adults there are some very simple things we can do to make the evening safe for everyone.
- Turn on your porch light.
- Move lit jack-o-lanterns off the porch where kids get bunched up if they are trick-or-treating in groups.
- Consider using flashlights or LED simulated candles. Do not use real candles.
- Remove objects from your yard that might present a hazard.
- If you don’t wish to give out candy and would still like to participate in Halloween, consider giving out stickers, trading cards, or similar items.
AFTER TRICK-OR-TREATING:
- Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
- Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.
- Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.
Most of all, MOVING VEHICLES, can pose one of the biggest hazards to trick-or-treaters. Drivers have a hard time seeing people, especially at dusk and in dark costumes. To ensure the safety of all trick-or-treaters, young and old, be sure to drive slowly all evening, you never know what creature may suddenly cross your path.
- Above all, make this Halloween a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. If you are not comfortable allowing your kids to trick-or-treat in the neighborhoods, there will be plenty of controlled environments where families can go to enjoy the festivities. Check your local neighborhoods, businesses, and churches for these controlled activities. If you see any suspicious or unlawful activity, remember to notify Law Enforcement authorities immediately.