Playing it safe on Halloween

Discussion

October 31, 2012

Playing it safe on Halloween

By BRAD KELLAR Herald-Banner Staff The Herald-Banner Wed Oct 31, 2012, 10:22 AM CDT

GREENVILLE — Children of all ages will be out and about tonight, taking part in trick-or-treating and other activities.

With the celebration of Halloween comes a renewed call for parents to take precautions to make sure their children are safe.

The Hunt County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, together with the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Greenville, provided the newspaper with the information for “Operation On Guard”, which included the names, photos and addresses of registered sex offenders in Hunt County. The list was printed in Tuesday’s editions of Herald-Banner.

The National Crime Prevention Council is also offering the following tips to help make Halloween safe for all:

— Clear your yard and sidewalk of any obstacles or decorations that may be hard to see in the dark, lest someone go bump in the night.

— Keep your house well lighted on both the inside and outside.

— Ask your Neighborhood Watch or local citizens’ group to patrol your community.

— Report any suspicious or criminal activities to your police or sheriff’s department.

— Try makeup instead of masks; it does not obstruct vision the way masks can.

— Keep costumes short to ensure that the only trip taken is the one around the neighborhood.

— Look for brightly colored costumes, attach reflector strips to costumes and bags, and remind trick-or-treaters to carry glow sticks and flashlights.

— Older kids should trick-or-treat in groups. Kids walking around alone are not as safe as those walking in groups.

— A parent or trusted neighbor should accompany younger kids.

— Review the route for trick-or-treating beforehand and set a time for when kids should be home. Also, have a plan if your child separates accidentally from his or her friends or from you.

— Remind your children not to eat any treats until they have come home. To help ensure this, feed them a meal or a substantial snack before they go out.

— Check all treats at home in a well-lighted place. Be especially wary of anything that is not factory-wrapped or that is no longer sealed.