Halloween safety tips from the Beavercreek Police Department

The City of Beavercreek always hosts Trick or Treat the night of Halloween, October 31, from 6 to 8 p.m.

While Halloween is a fun holiday known for costumes and treats, it also brings serious safety risks. Here are some safety tips from the Beavercreek Police Department to help ensure everyone has a safe and fun Halloween.

Before Trick or Treat, parents are encouraged to:

• Choose a costume that is visible and can be easily walked in, it is best to select a non-flammable material.
• Use reflective tape on costumes and provide a flashlight.
• Make sure the eye holes on masks are large enough to see out of or use face paint as an alternative. If a child does wear a mask, instruct him/her to take it off before crossing the street.
• Plan a route ahead of time with children, picking streets that are well-lit and they know well.
• Accompany children or send them with an older sibling or a group.
• Send a phone with the child and provide instructions for calling 911 in an emergency or when lost.
• Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within the costume or on a bracelet.
• Establish a plan or meeting location in case a child gets separated from their group. Ensure children know what to do and who to contact if they get lost.

During Trick or Treat, encourage children to:

• Travel in a group.
• Only stop at houses with well-lit porches.
• Travel in a familiar neighborhood.
• Cross the street only at corners and never cross between parked cars or the middle of the block.
• Walk on well-lit streets and stay on sidewalks.
• Watch out for candles in jack-o'-lanterns that may catch clothes on fire.
• Never go into the home of a stranger, even if invited inside for a treat.

After Trick or Treat, parents are encouraged to:

• Sort and check treats in a well-lit area.
• Throw away any candy or food that is not wrapped and sealed by the manufacturer.
• Carefully check all wrappers for signs of tampering.
• Always wash and cut open fruit before taking a bite.

If any harmful items are found, notify the Beavercreek Police Department immediately by calling (937) 426-1225.

Halloween Safety Tips for Homeowners:

• Keep your yard well-lit if you plan to pass out treats, turn your lights off if you will not be participating to discourage children from approaching your property
• Make sure your yard is clear of items such as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flower pots that can trip young children
• Battery-powered jack-o'-lantern candles are preferable to using a real flame
• If you do use candles, place the pumpkin away from trick-or-treaters
• Make sure paper or cloth yard decorations won't be blown into a flaming candle

Halloween Safety Tips for Drivers:

• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods, children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways
• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians, and on curbs
• Enter and exit driveways/alleys slowly and carefully
• Get rid of any distractions - like your phone - when driving so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings
• Turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances
• Adult Halloween party-goers should have a designated driver

Most importantly, have a fun and safe Halloween!

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