Halloween is such a wonderful time of year and a special “treat” for our youth.  Yet, it is important that we stay attentive for any potential safety hazards. The Chadron Police Department wishes everyone a happy, fun, and above all, safe Halloween.  To ensure everyone has positive experiences we suggest following these tips.

PARENTS

• Always escort your young children and carry a flashlight.
• Be familiar with the neighborhood where your children will be trick-or-treating.
• Set a specific time for your child/children to be out and if possible a specific route.
• Always know who is trick-or-treating with your children.
• Walk on the sidewalks.  If there is no sidewalk, walk along the left curb facing oncoming traffic.
• Instruct your children NEVER to enter any homes.
• Stay in well-lit areas.
• Inspect all treats before allowing children to eat them.
• Choose fireproof costumes made of light colored material so they can be easily seen in the dark.
• Dress your children in appropriate fitting costumes to avoid tripping and snagging.
• Consider placing reflective or glow in the dark tape on your children’s costumes.
• Avoid allowing children to wear masks, hats, or other headgear which could restrict their vision.
• Avoid having children carry replica firearms, swords, or toys which can be mistaken for the real thing.
• Teach children their home and/or parent’s cellular phone number or 911 in case they get lost.
• Consider a Halloween party at your residence instead of going out to trick-or-treat.

 

TRICK-OR-TREATERS

• Do not trick-or-treat by yourself.  Stay in a group.
• If props are carried, they should be made of soft rubber, Styrofoam, or other pliable material.
• Do not take short cuts, especially through alleys.
• Obey all traffic signals and look in all directions when crossing the street.
• Walk!  Do not run to your intended destination and don’t dart in and out of cars or driveways.
• If there are no side-walks stay as far left of the roadway as possible.
• Always assume the driver does not see you.
• Only trick-or-treat at homes with their porch light on.
• Never approach a vehicle offering candy.
• Wait until you get home before eating any treats.

HOMEOWNERS

• Turn on your porch light so children know it is all right to visit your home.
• If you are placing a Jack-O-Lantern on your porch, place a glow stick inside instead of a candle.
• Hand out only commercially wrapped candy.
• Never invite children into your home.
• Keep pets away from children.
• Maintain clear walkways that are free from obstruction.
• If using candles, keep them away from the path of children.

MOTORISTS

• Drive slowly and cautiously.
• Look for children walking on the street, running, and darting in between parked vehicles.
• Be extra careful when entering and exiting driveways.
• Avoid using your cell phone while driving because it will cause a distraction
• Play your music at a reasonable volume so you can listen for potential children crossing your path.
• Never drink and drive.