** FILE ** Two children dressed in costume to celebrate Halloween walks as they collect candies through a neighborhood of Bogota, Colombia, Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2006. Two-thirds of parents say their children will trick-or-treat this Halloween, but fewer minorities will let their kids go door to door, with some citing safety worries, a poll shows.(AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)
FROM TOPEKA POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS -- The Topeka Police and Fire Departments want to make sure the littlest ghosts and goblins stay safe this Halloween. Please check over these safety tips for kids and grown-ups alike.
• Make sure that costumes are fire proof.
• Make sure eye holes are large enough for good peripheral vision.
• Choose bright colors or add reflective tape.
• Make sure costumes are not a tripping hazard.
• If it’s cold outside, wear warm clothes under the costume.
• Ensure that if your child is carrying a prop, such as a scythe, butcher knife or a pitchfork, that the tips are smooth and flexible enough to not cause injury if fallen on.
For younger children, make sure they are accompanied by an adult. For older children, set a route they are to take and a time they are to be home.
Don’t cut through back alleys and fields and stay in well lit areas.
Stop only at familiar houses in your own neighborhood.
Don’t eat any treats until they are examined by adults.
Never go into the home of a stranger or get into their car.
Make sure your child carries a flashlight, glow stick or has reflective tape on their costume to make them more visible to cars.
Explain to children the difference between tricks and vandalism.
Be careful when crossing streets and walk on sidewalks, not in the street.
Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic if there are no sidewalks.
Walk, do not run, from house to house.
Do not cross yards and lawns where unseen objects or the uneven terrain can present tripping hazards
Halloween Safety at Home:
If you set jack-o-lanterns on your porch with candles in them, make sure that they are far enough out of the way so that kids’ costumes won't accidentally be set on fire.
Kids always want to help with the pumpkin carving. Small children shouldn't be allowed to use a sharp knife to cut the top or the face.
Remove items from the porch and front yard that children could trip over, such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
Sweep wet leaves from sidewalks and steps.
Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite trick-or-treaters.
And If You're Driving:
• Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing. Let's make it a safe Topeka Halloween tonight!