Community News
Spooky Safe
Halloween by Teri Hebert
H
alloween is almost here! Candy + costumes + community = FUN. As you head out to parties or trick-or-treating this year, be sure to stay safe! Here are a few tips to have a spooky – yet safe – Halloween.
For KIDS: • Always make sure your mom or dad is within sight as you trickor-treat in the neighborhood. And never go into the house of someone you don’t know – even if they invite you in and have cute puppies. • Look both ways before crossing the street and only cross at corners. • Leave the “tricks” at home – no throwing eggs at houses or cars, no knocking over decorations or mailboxes.
For PARENTS: • Know where your children are if they are going to a party and give them a curfew (it’s okay to be the party poopers). • Keep an eye on smaller children at all times when trick-or-treating and take them only to houses where you know the neighbors. • Make sure kids have costumes that are safe – Edward Scissorhands complete with real blades for hands? Cute, but maybe not safe. • Be sure to inspect all of your child’s candy haul for safety . . . before letting them eat all of the good stuff. 14
For ADULTS without kids to watch: • Don’t drink or text or wear a scary mask or look for Pokémon while driving. • Be sure your party is scary enough that it is enjoyable for guests and good Facebook photos, but not so scary so that it frightens the neighborhood for as long as you live here. • When lighting jack-o-lanterns or candles, be sure they are away from other flammable things (costumes, decorations, small children, etc.) or use battery-powered lights.
For your PETS: • Do not let your dog trick-or-treat alone, no matter how much she begs. • Be careful to inspect all of your cat’s trick-or-treat candy before letting her eat all of the good stuff. • Be sure your pet’s costume is pet-friendly (do not dress your dog as Animal Control – that’s just mean). Also be sure your pet can breathe in his costume. In all seriousness, don’t hesitate to call 911 if you see something suspicious or dangerous while trick-or-treating or at a party. Keep a helpful eye on your family and neighbors, have fun, and be safe this Halloween!
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