Halloween Safety Stressed

TYLER – It’s time for the annual trick or treating tonight. And with kids going from house to house this Halloween, Tyler police want it to be a safe and happy evening. There are some things you can do to help ensure safety. Motorists need to drive slowly. Kids need to stay in a group and use reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags. And have the kids use flashlights or glow sticks. And for parents, be sure to check the kids candy before they get into it.

Here are some safety tips from the Tyler Police Department:
1.A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
2.Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts or use glow sticks.
3.If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
4.Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
5.Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or-Treaters:
*Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
*Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
*Carry a cellphone for quick communication.
*Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
*If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
*Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
*Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will!
*Parents should inspect candy before consumed.
*Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.