In advance of Halloween, the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department in New York used their tip411 alerting capability to send an email and text message directly to residents with Halloween Safety Tips for Parents:
Halloween Tips for Parents
Thursday, Oct. 31, is Halloween! Here are some safety tips for parents:
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Make sure costumes fit well and that they are short enough to prevent tripping.
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Consider using hypoallergenic make-up instead of masks, which can obstruct your child’s vision.
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Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
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Make certain costumes are flame-retardant.
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Trick-or-treaters should have a flashlight with fresh batteries.
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A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children; older kids should trick-or-treat in groups.
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Set a time when your children should be home and know what route they plan to take.
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Remind your children not to enter strange houses or cars. Children should not approach homes where the front lights are not turned on.
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Remind your children to stay on the sidewalk and not cut across yards or through alleys; remind them to cross streets only at corners and never from between parked cars.
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Do not allow your children to consume their treats until they have checked by an adult at home. Throw away any unwrapped or spoiled items. Give any candy that could be a choking hazard (such as hard candies) to older children.