Tips for a safe Halloween

As the Chief of Police for the Clay City Police Department, I'm glad The Brazil Times has created this way for all Clay County Law Enforcement to communicate with the public. For the Clay City Police Department's first Blog, I would like to remind everyone of some Halloween Safety Tips.

FOR THE TRICK-OR-TREATERS

Carry a flashlight

Walk, don't run, stay on sidewalks and obey traffic signals.

Stay in familiar neighborhoods and don't cut across yards or driveways.

Wear a watch you can read in the dark.

Make sure costumes don't drag on the ground and shoes should fit (even if they don't go with your costume). Avoid wearing masks while walking from house to house. Carry only flexible knives, swords or other props.

If there is no sidewalk walk on the left side of the road facing traffic, and wear clothing with reflective markings or tape to be seen by motorists.

Approach only houses that are lit and stay away from and don't pet animals you don't know.

PARENTS

Have your child eat dinner before setting out.

Children should carry cell phones if they can so they can call home.

Ideally, an adult should accompany children of any age while trick-or-treating.

If you buy a costume, look for one made of flame-retardant material.

Older children should know where to reach you and when to be home and you should know where they're going.

Although tampering is rare, tell children to bring candy home to be inspected before consuming anything. Look at the wrapping carefully and toss out anything that looks suspect.

HOMEOWNERS

Make sure your yard is clear of such things as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flowerpots that can trip the young ones.

Pets get frightened on Halloween. Put them up to protect them from cars or inadvertently biting trick-or-treaters.

Battery powered jack o' lantern candles are preferable to a real flaming candle.

Healthy food alternatives for trick-or-treaters include packages of low-fat crackers with cheese or peanut butter filling, single-serve boxes of cereal, packaged fruit rolls, mini boxes of raisins and single serve packets of low-fat microwave popcorn that can be served later.

When using non-food treats such as plastic rings, pencils, stickers, erasers and coins make sure they are not small enough to be swallowed by a child..

STAY SAFE

Terry L. Skaggs

Police Chief of Clay City

111 West 8th Street

Clay City, Ind., 47841

Phone: 812-939-2311

Fax: 812-939-0007

Email: claycitypolice@claycountyin.gov