The night of ghouls, ghosts, goblins and super hero’s is fast approaching and Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott wants everyone to have a fun-filled evening.
This year Kiwanis Club of Lehigh Acres will be having a Trunk or Treat, at Copperhead Golf Club on Beth Stacey Blvd.
Below are some safety tips to help you and your children have a safe and fun Halloween!
Parents and Caregivers
• Purchase or make costumes that are light colored and clearly visible to motorists
• Decorate (and get the children to help) or trim costumes, “goody bags,” and other containers with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car’s headlights
• Reflective tape can be purchased at bicycle, hardware, and sporting goods stores.
• Make sure costumes are short enough so they don’t cause children to trip or fall
• Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes
• Accessorize with flexible props, should be made of cardboard or styrofoam
• Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over the child’s eyes
Children
• Carry a flashlight or glow stick
• Walk, Don’t Run
• Stay on Sidewalks
• Obey Traffic Signals
• Stay in familiar neighborhoods
• Don’t cut across yards or driveways
• Make sure costumes don’t drag on the ground
• Approach only houses that are lit
• Stay away from and don’t pet animals you don’t know
• DO NOT EVER go in a stranger’s house for any reason. If a stranger invites you inside, say “no”, get away and tell a trusted adult
Homeowners
• Make sure your yard is clear of such things as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and any other debris that could cause a child to trip
• Pets get frightened on Halloween. Put them up to protect them from cars or inadvertently biting a trick- or-treater
• If you use candles, place the pumpkins well away from where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing. Battery operated jack-o’-lantern candles are preferred to a flaming candle
• Instead of candy, offer non-food treats; plastic rings, pencils, stickers, erasers or coins
Motorists
• Stay alert
• Remember that kids will be excited, and may be trying to visit many houses within a specific time frame. Trick-or-Treaters may suddenly dart into traffic from between parked cars
• Be particularly careful where cars are parked along the side of the road
• Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks
• Be patient and SLOW DOWN. Give children lots of time to cross the street
• Remember kids will be excited and may forget to “stop, look, and listen”
If going to an adult Halloween party, make sure that you don’t drink and drive. Use a designated driver if alcohol is being consumed.