Bel Air Police Department issued the following announcement on Oct. 23.
Halloween is almost here, the Bel Air Police Department offers some important tips for a safe Halloween for children and adults. Remember, All Hallows’ Eve is Wednesday, October 31. The official trick-or-treat hours will be between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
1. If your child is old enough to trick-or-treat without an adult, designate a route of travel beforehand. Tell your child to stay in a group, avoid taking short cuts through backyards and alleys. Have them call-in on several occasions as an added measure of safety.
2. Accompany young children and remind them to stop at all street corners, cross only at intersections and crosswalks. Teach them to look left, right and left before crossing the street and to continue looking both ways as they cross. If you’re a motorist, slow down and be prepared to give trick-or-treaters a break/brake.
3. Children should wear reflective clothing to be easily seen and/or carry a flashlight or glowstick.
4. Make sure to inspect/approve your children’s candy and treats before consumption.
5. Never allow your children to enter unfamiliar homes and have them visit only those homes where the lights are on.
6. Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) of your child discreetly within Halloween costumes or on a bracelet.
7. If you do use candles, keep them well away from where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing. Review with your children the principle of “stop, drop and roll” should their clothing catch fire.
8. Shorter is safer. Make sure that your child’s shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
9. Select masks for your child that won’t limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup as a safer alternative.
10. Lastly, teach children how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost.
Be a good neighbor.
1. Keep your porch lights on and eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Remove outdoor safety hazards such as toys, bicycles, garden hoses and lawn ornaments. Make sure the driveway and steps are cleared of leaves. Make sure that the driveway and walks are well lit for incoming trick-or-treaters.
2. Pets get frightened on Halloween. Confine your pets for their safety and for that of trick-or-treaters.
Original source can be found here.
Source: Bel Air Police Department
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