Be safe when enjoying Halloween

Tonight is a great time of excitement for children. Thousands of local kids will be out, running from door to door trick-or-treating.

With so many children out tonight, we encourage everyone — from motorists driving around town, to parents and even the children — be extra careful tonight.

Many parents will choose instead of trick-or-treating to take their children to a carnival and many will escort their children around to a few friends and relatives. However, hundreds of children will be set free to go door to door on their own.

There are simple rules to follow tonight. No. 1 is parental supervision. Go with your kids. If they are young enough to trick-or treat, they are young enough to be chaperoned.

Other safety tips from the Halloween Safety website are carry a flashlight, wear some reflective items on your costumes that will show in headlights. Be careful when you cross a street. Make sure to look in both directions and make sure that there are no cars coming. If you have a little brother or sister with you, take their hand and help them get across the street. If the street has a stop light, wait until the crosswalk light tells you that it’s okay to cross now, but still check before you cross, look both ways.

Never, ever go into a strangers house or even ring their door for treats unless your parents are with you and say that it’s OK.

If you are an older kid or young teen, and going out with friends, make sure that your parents know where you are going and who you are going with. This may seem like a pain but they are your parents and they love you. They just want you to be safe.

It is best to visit homes in your own neighborhood and if possible, visit people you are acquainted with. Be sure to respect those who do not want to participate in handing out candy or those who have run out of candy.

And, when you get home, inspect the candy your child has brought home to ensure it is safe and appropriate.