[Editor’s Note: From the Daily News, the Los Angeles City Councilman passes along practical advice for and about this evening’s Halloween visitors.]
While Halloween is exciting time for kids and adults, before you start knocking on doors and shouting, “Trick or Treat!” absorb this checklist of safety tips.
Know the Route
• Plan out your route ahead of time. Avoid poorly lit areas.
• Stick with neighborhoods you know.
•Only go to houses that are lit.
• Provide the oldest child with a cell phone. Make certain he or she knows how to call 9-1-1.
• Instruct children on what to do and where to go if they become separated from the pack.
Safety Tips
• Start trick or treating early. Take advantage of evening light.
• Put name and full address inside of costumes in case kids get lost and are too young to know where they live.
• Bring a flashlight or two when trick-or-treating.
• Make sure your porch is well-lighted for incoming trick-or-treaters.
• Have two adults supervise when trick-or-treating. It’s more fun as a team.
Pumpkin-carving
• All pumpkin-carving should be done on a flat surface.
• Adults should supervise all carving.
• Heavy carving should be done by parents.
• No candles in pumpkins. Use a disposable/battery-poweredlight instead.
• Use a pumpkin-carving kit. The carving saws require less force, hence less chance someone will be seriously injured.
Good Form and Etiquette
• Make the kids go to the bathroom before they leave the house.
• Attend an event at your local organization. Load up on candy and Halloween fun that way.
• No long or baggy costumes equals no tripping.
• Avoid masks. It’s tough for the wee ones to see at night as it is.
• Wear comfortable sneakers. Your Halloween crew is going to do a fair amount of walking.
Ready, Set, Go
• Walk, don’t run.
• Watch out for cars at all times.
• Cross only at corners.
• Get out of the car on the curb side, not the street side.
• Walk, don’t run. This will require repeated reminders.
Mr. Parks may be contacted at bernardparks.com
