Halloween activities can be enjoyable for both parents and children when safety is top-of-mind while trick-or-treating. New Mexico State University’s Police, Fire and Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management departments would like to share a few safety tips to help make Oct. 31 a “spooktacular” evening.
- Children should never talk to strangers or venture too far from their parents.
- Parents should examine their children’s candy before they’re allowed to eat it to ensure none of it has been tampered with.
- Make sure costumes or decorations do not go near open flames, such as candles in jack-o’-lanterns.
- Come up with a safe meeting place in case members of your group get separated.
- Parents should review safety procedures with their children about who they should talk to if they get lost. (Ex: police officers or another parent with children.)
- Look both ways before crossing the road and always use crosswalks.
- Stay visible. Carry a flashlight, glow stick or wear something reflective.
- Motorists should be particularly vigilant about pedestrians, especially small children, primarily on residential streets.
With these tips in mind, NMSU’s Emergency Planning Committee hopes you have a safe night!
-30-