Indiana State Police suggested these tips for parents to keep their children safe for Halloween.
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Tips for costumes:
- Keep costumes short to prevent little ones from trips and falls.
- Try make-up instead of a mask. Masks often obstruct a child’s vision, which makes tasks like crossing the street and going up and down stairs dangerous.
- Make sure children wear light colors, avoid black to make sure they can been seen easily.
Tips while trick-or-treating:
- Have an adult accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds.
- Make sure older children trick-or-treat with friends. Together map out a safe route so parents know where they will be.
- Remind your children never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle.
- Encourage children to trick-or-treat while it’s still light out. If children are out after dark, make sure they have flashlights, glow sticks, and travel on well lighted streets.
- Follow your communities trick-or-treating hours.
Tips for consuming treats:
- Remind children not to eat any of their treats until they get home.
- Check out all treats at home in a well-lighted area.
- Only eat unopened candies and other treats that are in the original packaging. Remember to inspect fruits for anything suspicious.
Tips for Motorists:
- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
- At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
- Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween.
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The guideline also suggested communities, schools, and churches that offer children-safe alternatives to trick-or-treating, designed to keep children safe.
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“Some hospitals and schools allow children to trick-or-treat... from room to room virtually eliminating the dangers associated with being out walking on the streets after dark,” a spokesperson said.