from the Cache County Sheriff’s Office
Boys and girls of every age enjoy the treats that come with Halloween, and most love a good scare too! But not when it comes to child safety. Safe Kids Worldwide shares some easy and effective behaviors that parents can share with their kids to reduce the risk of injury.
- Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers, and, if possible, choose light colors.
Costume accessories and props (knives, swords, etc.) should be soft without sharp edges and easy to carry. - Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
- Never go into a stranger’s house, or even ring their door for treats, unless a parent is with you and says it’s OK.
- Have kids use glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
- Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
- Use caution when crossing streets; cross at corners, look left, right, and left again when crossing, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
- Drivers – slow down! Be particularly alert in residential neighborhoods. Avoid distractions in the vehicle so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be extra alert for kids during those hours.
