Halloween’s not just a kid thing. Adults play a critical role when it comes to keeping their little ghouls and goblins safe on All Hallows’ Eve.
“Kids should not be going trick-or-treating alone,” said Lynn Stell, assistant child safety coordinator with the Chesterfield County Police Department’s Child Safety Office.
Chances are that if a young person is old enough to be going out trick-or-treating without adult supervision, then he or she probably is beyond an age at which they should be trick-or-treating.
Stell and other child safety officers spend countless hours each year teaching kids how to be safe. That includes how to be safe on Halloween, and the message is as good for parents as it is for the kids.
Follow these Halloween safety tips:
- Make sure costumes are bright or have reflective tape on them
- Wear shoes that fit and a costume that doesn’t make walking difficult
- Carry a flashlight to see and be seen
- Wear makeup instead of a face mask. If you wear a mask, take it off when walking
- Make sure a parent or other responsible adult goes with you to trick-or-treat. Going in groups, with adult supervision, is safe and fun
- Trick-or-treat at houses in your neighborhood where you know the homeowners
- Trick-or-treat in well-lit areas
- Use a sidewalk where available. When using a roadway, walk to the left
- Plan a trick-or-treat route with your family and stick to it
- Never enter anyone’s home without your parent
- Have your parents check all your treats before eating them. If there are any suspicious treats, notify the police.
