Published: October 28, 2009 07:12 pm      

Halloween safety: Tips for trick-or-treating

By RORYE O’CONNOR

rorye.oconnor@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — Common sense is the key to keeping kids safe this Halloween.

Parents should keep kids in safe costumes that are visible to cars, be present with trick-or-treaters while they go out, if possible, or know the exact route children plan to take while hunting for candy, said Ray Gilbert, Mt. Vernon Police Department D.A.R.E. Officer for District 80.

Mt. Vernon trick-or-treating will be from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, October 31. Gilbert recommends taking trick-or-treaters to safe, well-lit locations hosting trunk-or-treats, which are an alternative to walking through unfamiliar or potentially unsafe neighborhoods.

“Look for different organized community events,” Gilbert advised. “There are events at residential living centers and other places that are better lit and more controlled.”

There are a variety of places offering trunk-or-treat events in the area.

Trick-or-treaters and their parents should know the law when it comes to walking their routes, Gilbert said, and recommended planning ahead to find the safest paths.

“It’s very important that all trick or treaters or someone carry a flashlight, as it can be used as a signal as well (as a tool to light the way),” he said. “You should know your child’s route if you’re not going to be there in case communication is cut off. Set a timeline and know where your child is going to be at certain times. Know the neighborhood, and find the sidewalks. It’s the law that you have to walk on the sidewalk if one’s available; if not, walk on the street the same direction as traffic.”

Along with planning a safe route, Gilbert recommended using state resources to avoid any known dangers in the area.

“Parents can check where registered sex offenders live and avoid those routes,” Gilbert said.

For costumes, appropriate warmth, visibility and flame-resistance are three guidelines to follow when making or buying disguises for trick-or-treaters. The Centers for Disease Control Web site recommends checking costume packaging to make sure the costume is made of flame resistant fabric like nylon or polyester.

“Choose bright, reflective clothing,” Gilbert said.

He suggested adding reflective tape to costumes so drivers will be more likely to see trick-or-treaters. Gilbert also said face paint was safer than wearing a mask on Halloween night, because vision will be significantly less restricted with face paint than with a mask over the face. He recommended checking the weather to make sure costumes are warm or cool enough to fit the night’s weather patterns.

The CDC advises parents to make sure to wash children’s faces before they go to bed to avoid any irritation that may be caused by the paints, and to test the paint on a small area of skin before going all out in case of allergy.

Gilbert warned parents to be cognizant of extras that come with costumes.

“If a child is going to take out any kind of prop, it is important that it’s not sharp,” he said.