TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Making sure that your family is safe is a top priority for every parent, and October 31st is a night to take a few extra precautions.
Officer David Northway of the Tallahassee Police Department joined us on Sunrise this morning to share a few safety tips, not only families planning on trick-or-treating but for anyone out and about on Halloween. You can watch the full video by clicking on the thumbnail to the left.
The following are some Halloween Safety tips offered by the Tallahassee Police Department's Community Relations Unit.
- Never allow your children to Trick-or-Treat alone. It is always better to have an adult accompany a group of children.
- The safest time to Trick-or-Treat is before dark or at dusk.
- Make sure the costume will not cause a child to trip and is fire retardant.
- Try to have your children use make-up instead of a mask. If a mask is used, remove it while walking due to restricted visibility.
- Use light colored clothing or reflective material on costumes.
- Limit Trick-or-Treating to your own neighborhood or other areas you know well.
- Never let your children go into another person's house for any reason, especially those you don't know.
- Only stop at houses that have outside lights on or are well lit.
- Advise children not to eat any candy or goodies they receive until they return home for inspection by parents. Only eat unopened treats that are in the original wrapper.
- Carry a flashlight or other light source and be very careful of moving vehicles.
- Check the FDLE Sexual Offender website to determine if any offenders are residing in your neighborhood before trick or treating. http://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/homepage.do
- Motorists are urged to be especially careful when traveling Halloween night. Travel slower than the posted speed limit and watch for any children that may dart across your path unexpectedly.
