Salem Police Share Halloween Safety Tips

Kids should work with parents to carefully examine all of the treats to make sure they are safe to eat.

Trick or treaters have to be safe Photo: Answers.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - With Halloween rapidly approaching, the Salem Police Department has some safety tips and information to pass on to all of those ghosts and goblins as well as those parents who may be driving around. They want people in this community to have a safe and happy Halloween.

Starting with the costume: Make it bright, reflective and flame retardant. Add reflective tape to the extremities of the costume or incorporate fluorescent sticks or necklaces into the design to make it fun for the kids to wear. You should also make sure the costume fits well in order to avoid any trips and falls due to the length of the costume.

One way to avoid visibility problems is to wear make-up in place of a mask. This ensures that the child can see properly. If a mask is worn, make sure that the child has sufficient visibility both directly ahead as well as peripherally

Police say that when kids are ready to walk the neighborhood, they should travel in groups and in the company of an adult. They need to carry a flashlight and keep it lit to increase visibility. Kids should only cross streets only at the corner. Remember to look both ways before crossing and NEVER cross between parked cars. Also, stay on the sidewalks and out of the streets when walking from house to house.

Asking your Neighborhood Watch or citizen group to do a patrol on Halloween night is a great idea that raises the safety factor for everyone. Police say kids should never go into the house of somebody they don't know, and they should make sure that the adult can see them at all times. Scream loudly and run if anybody attempts to grab you or force you to go with them.

Police caution drivers to be especially alert on Halloween night. Drive with extra care. Remember that there will be a lot of very excited children out there. They suggest limiting the distractions in your vehicle such as conversations, listening the music, etc, while always watching out for children who may try to cross the street at any time.

It is also good to remember that children will probably be traveling in groups, so assume that when you see one child, that there will probably be others around as well. Another good driving strategy is to carefully exit driveways and alleyways.

After the kids get home, they should remember to never eat candy that has been opened or where the packaging has been torn or damaged, and to not eat anything that is not wrapped. If anything appears to have been tampered with, you should report it to the police.

Kids should work with parents to carefully examine all of the treats to make sure they are safe to eat.