Trick-or-Treat Tips To Keep Halloween Safe for Kids, Parents and Motorists

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is pushing for a safe Halloween with these tips for kids, parents and motorists to review as the day for trick-or-treating approaches.

One tip for parents is to sponsor a party in lieu of trick-or-treating. Also, to consider attending an event sponsored by a shopping center or mall. The Westfield Brandon shopping mall on Oct. 31, for example, is hosting a "Spooktacular" event for costumed trick-or-treaters, ages 12 and under. For details, see Westfield Brandon Set for Costumed Trick-or-Treaters.

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HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FOR KIDS, PARENTS AND MOTORISTS 

TIPS FOR KIDS Stay in your neighborhood. Stay with a friend, in a group, or with an adult. Visit only the homes with lights on or Halloween decorations displayed. Watch for cars and other vehicles before crossing the street. Anything making you uncomfortable or scared? Tell a parent or an adult. TIPS FOR PARENTS (before the trick-or-treating) Ensure that your child's costume allows for freedom of movement and good visibility. Give your child a flashlight; it makes them more visible. If possible, require that your children trick-or-treat before dark. Insist that children trick-or-treat with a friend, in a group, or with an adult. Young children always should be with an adult or a responsible teenager. Insist that children stay in their own neighborhoods. Know and review with them the route they will travel. TIPS FOR PARENTS (after the trick-or-treating) Check all treats before your children eat them. Homemade treats? Homemade treats with address labels attached? Use your discretion. But the safest route is to throw out anything that is not store-wrapped and in good condition. Cut fruit into pieces before eating to ensure it has not been tampered with. MORE TIPS FOR PARENTS Sponsor a party in lieu of trick-or-treating.
Consider trick-or-treating at an event sponsored by a shopping enter or mall. When the trick-or-treater rings your bell, give store-wrapped treats. Non-edible (and wrapped) options include crayons, stickers and small party favors. If you insist on giving homemade treats, put your name and address on each treat (address labels work well) and give them only to children who know you. TIPS FOR MOTORISTS Exercise extreme caution when driving and backing vehicles out of driveays or parking spaces. Be alert for excited children, whose vision might be obscured by masks and costumes. Excited children are prone to dart into traffic. Source: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office