Halloween Safety Tips From The Oskaloosa PD
Oskaloosa, Iowa – Halloween in Oskaloosa is Monday, October 31, 2016 from 6 to 8pm.
Playing it safe on Halloween:
Halloween may be a fun time for kids, but for parents, trick-or-treat can be a little troublesome. Concerns about children’s safety can cast a spell on the evening’s festivities. But not to worry! Following a few safety tips will ensure that Halloween will be a “howling” good time for all.
“Unhaunting” Your House and Neighborhood:
* Welcome trick-or-treaters by turning on exterior lights.
* Remove objects from your yard that might present a hazard.
* Drive slowly all evening – you never know what creatures may suddenly cross your path.
* Look out before opening your door. If you see someone or a group of supposed Halloween revelers that youdon’t feel comfortable opening the door for, don’t!
* Provide only prepackaged food items.
* Keep all lit candles in a safe position that will prevent them from coming in contact with a costume or candy-filled pillow case.
* Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the police.
Avoid “Bumps” In The Night:
* Check that all costumes are flame retardant so the little ones are not in danger near candle-lit Jack-O-Lanterns and other fire hazards.
* Keep costumes short to prevent trips, falls and other bumps in the night.
* Encourage kids to wear comfortable shoes.
* Try make-up instead of masks. Masks can be hot and uncomfortable and more importantly, they can obstruct a child’s vision – a dangerous thing when kids are crossing streets and going up and down steps.
* Make sure kids wear light colors or put reflective tape on their costumes.
* Carry a flashlight or some type of light.
* Carry a cell phone so parents can be contacted.
* Make sure older kids go out with friends and an adult should accompany younger kids.
* Set a time limit for kids to trick-or-treat. Obey designated beggar’s night hours – 6 to 8 p.m.
* Together, map out a safe route so you know where they will be.
* Remind them not to take short cuts through backyards and alleys.
* Remind them to cross streets only at crosswalks, never in the middle of the street.
* Remind kids not to enter a strange house or car.
* Inspect all candies and discard any that are questionable.
* By all means, remind kids not to eat everything at once or they will be feeling pretty ghoulish for a while.
If you have any questions, please contact the Oskaloosa Police Department at 641-673-3201. Have a fun and safe Halloween.