14 Tips for a Safer Halloween From Sheriff's Office

In a county where especially towns such as Warren have many dark and winding roads and spread-out homes, Halloween safety for children who are out trick or treating are especially important to keep in mind.  

Somerset County Sheriff Frank J. Provenzano again has issued his Halloween Safety Tips for Kids as a reminder for parents and others who are caring for children who plan to be out and about on Halloween.

In Warren, children also can enjoy Halloween activities in a regulated environment such as the annual Brite Nites celebration at Wagner Farm Arboretum off Mountain Avenue.

“The safety of our children is on our minds each and every day,” Provenzano said. “The celebrations and traditions that go along with Halloween add to the importance of monitoring our children's activity and giving them the guidance to help keep them safe.”

The county sheriff passed along some safety tips and a website that offers good advice: www.Halloween-Safety.com

• Avoid costumes that greatly reduce visibility or are too dark for motorists to see. Apply face paint instead; it’s safer than bulky masks.
• Plan the route you and your children will take well in advance. Tell someone else about those plans and what time you’ll return home.
• Stick to well-lit areas.
• Attach reflective tape to costumes.
• Use fire-resistant materials in costumes.
• Carry a flashlight or glow stick, but not a lighted candle. Candles are burn hazards.
• Trick-or-treat in groups, accompanied by at least one adult.
• Attach your cell phone number to your young children’s clothing in case they become separated from adults.
• Teach children to exit and enter vehicles from curbside, away from traffic.
• Stay on sidewalks as much as possible, and cross at corners. Do not walk between parked cars. Always look both ways before crossing.
• Children should not eat candy while out, until an adult examines it. Candy should not show signs of improper sealing, punctures or holes.
• Do not allow children into apartment buildings unless accompanied by an adult, and only visit homes with outside lighting.
• Residents should remove obstacles such as tools, ladders or toys from their sidewalks, porches and front yards.
• Keep lighted jack-o-lanterns away from porches or other areas where they could ignite a low-hanging costume.