Halloween is a festive and fun time of year for children, but sometimes the treats turn into cruel tricks, especially if someone tampers with the items they hand out to trick-or-treaters.
Cape May County Sheriff Bob Nolan is offering 10 suggestions to help protect children and make Halloween a safer and happier time for everyone:
- Make sure your children are accompanied by an adult or a responsible teenager when they go door-to-door. Go with them yourself if you can.
- Instruct children never to eat anything until they are home and the treats have been examined. Cut and wash fruit before eating. Throw away anything that is unwrapped.
- Check the wrappers of commercial treats for signs of tampering. Remember – If in doubt, throw it out!
- Call the local police if there are any suspicious treats given to your children.
- Make sure children's costumes fit and they can see well.
- Tell your children to Trick-or-Treat in their own neighborhood and use well-lit streets. Daylight hours are best.
- If the children are going to be out after dark, make sure they carry a flashlight and their costumes are reflective or at least can be seen by using bright colors.
- Instruct your children to use the sidewalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the street facing cars and stay as far to the left as possible.
- Know which friends your children will be with and which route they are taking. Get telephone numbers to their parents.
- Leave your porch light on so children will know it's OK to visit your home.
If everyone follows these simple precautions this Halloween, we'll all have a safer and more enjoyable Trick-or-Treating Night.
Happy Halloween!
Sheriff Bob Nolan
