Halloween Safety Reminders

With Trick or Treating just days away, we thought we'd share a few safety tips. Maybe one of these reminders will help make sure you and your Little Elvis don't end up in the Emergency Room or an attorney's office!

Halloween Safety Tips from Lafayette City Police:

• Choose costumes that are marked flame retardant and add reflective tape or reflectors to darker colored costumes.
• All children should remain under the direct supervision of parents or guardians.
• Carry a flashlight or other illuminant device.
• Have children stay within their own familiar neighborhood and only visit homes they know.
• Adults should inspect all candy prior to the children indulging.
• Give and accept wrapped or packaged candy only.
• Have props such as magic wands and swords constructed out of cardboard rather than metal or wood.  This will avoid unnecessary injuries.
• Drive vehicles cautiously in areas where children are trick or treating.

Finally, for those adults that will be attending parties for Halloween, please do not drink and drive.  The Lafayette Police Department will be patrolling in the neighborhoods to assure a safe Halloween.

The Red Cross offers these additional safety tips:

Whether a child wants to be a princess, a monster or a superhero for Halloween, parents can help keep him or her safe by:

• Adding reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
• Using flame-resistant costumes.
• Using face makeup instead of masks, which can cover eyes and make it hard to see.

Navigating the Neighborhood

To maximize safety, plan a route ahead of time. Make sure adults know where children are going. If the children are young, a parent or responsible adult should accompany them as they walk through the neighborhood.

• Here are more safety tips to follow as children go from house to house:
• Make sure trick-or-treaters have a flashlight.
• Visit only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door – never go inside.
• Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
• Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
• Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars.
• Be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.

Trick or Treat!

For those who expect to greet trick-or-treaters at their door, they can make sure it’s fun for everyone by following a few tips:

• Make sure the outdoor lights are on.
• Sweep leaves from sidewalks and steps.
• Clear the porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.
• Restrain pets.
• Use a glow stick instead of a candle in jack-o-lanterns to avoid a fire hazard.