The Summit Police Department is sharing some safety tips for children and families for safe trick-or-treating on Halloween.
- Choose bright colors and flame-retardant materials when choosing a costume.
- If you will be outdoors after dark, attach reflective tape to your costume and treat bag.
- If it’s chilly outdoors, make sure your costume is loose enough for warm clothing to be worn underneath, but not long enough to cause tripping.
- Avoid oversized shoes and high heels.
- A decorative mask can obstruct vision especially if it slips out of place. Use non-toxic makeup instead.
- Limit accessories and pointed props such as wands, swords, and knives that often pose a safety hazard.
- Trick-or-treaters younger than the age of 12 should be accompanied by an older sibling or adult.
- Make sure someone in your group has a flashlight with fresh batteries.
- Parents, if your child will be out trick-or-treating without you, plan a familiar route and set a curfew. Review safety rules, including staying with the group, walking only on the sidewalk, approaching only clearly lit homes, and never going inside a home or car for a treat.
- If possible, have your child carry a cell phone but encourage them to put it away while trick-or-treating.
- Inspect treats before your child eats them. Discard anything that is not sealed, has torn packaging, or looks questionable.
- If you have young children, be cautious of gum, peanuts, hard candies, and other choking hazards.
Homeowners that plan to distribute candy should review the following safety tips:
- When preparing your house for trick-or-treaters, put away tripping hazards such as garden hoses, toys, and bikes.
- Clear wet leaves and other debris from the sidewalk.
- Replace burnt out bulbs to ensure visibility at the walkway or front door.
- Be mindful of your pet and its reaction to visitors at the door, especially after dark.
- If you will be driving on Halloween, watch for children crossing the street. Children are much more likely to be hit by a vehicle on Halloween than any other time of year. Be especially careful entering and exiting driveways and alleys.
Officer Kotiga shares these safety tips in a PSA video, available on the City of Summit YouTube channel.
For more information on the Summit Police Department, visit cityofsummit.org/police or call 908-273-0051.