Halloween is coming up on Tuesday of next week. It’s a time when ghosts, goblins and other undead characters of all ages dress up and either go trick-or-treating or enjoy fall festivals and parties.
However, the holiday can be a scary time for families. True, we may not have a crime epidemic like surrounding counties have, but it’s always a good idea to keep your children safe on this holiday.
One way you can do that is to attend trick-or-treating events, such as the Newton Chamber of Commerce’s trick-or-treating event or the Decatur Chamber of Commerce’s Treat Street on Halloween. You can also get a jump on Halloween activities by attending the Central Mississippi Residential Center Fall Festival.
At events like these, children are allowed to get candy in a secure environment. But even at these events, they draw a big crowd. So you have to look out for kids like I was, which always kind of wandered off in his or her little world.
But if you are going to go out and trick-or-treat on Halloween on the streets, here are a few safety tips that you should think about.
• Never go trick-or-treating alone, and always stay in a familiar neighborhood.
• Make sure there aren’t any parts of your costume that drag on
the ground or block
your vision.
• Cross streets at crosswalks, and never enter the street from in between parked cars.
• Trick-or-treat only at houses that are lit up.
• Stay away from pets. Even pets you know
may not recognize you
in your costume.
• Children should never go inside of anyone’s home or car to get candy or treats.
For those of you decorating your houses or hosting parties, here are a few things to remember:
• Keep decorations and costumes away from open flames and heat sources such as lights and heaters.
• Keep all exits clear of Halloween decorations so that escape routes are not blocked.
• Try using glow sticks or battery operated candles in Jack-o-lanterns instead of real candles.
Let’s have a wonderful and safe Halloween this year.
