The Newton County Sheriff’s office gives helpful Halloween tips
With Halloween just around the corner, the Newton County Sheriff’s office posted a helpful reminder to kids and parents.
“Halloween is a fun and festive time of the year, but it also comes with some potential risks. Here are a few tips to help you and your family enjoy a safe and happy Halloween:
Stay safe around fire. Many Halloween decorations involve candles, lanterns, or bonfires. Make sure your costume and accessories are fire-resistant or flame-retardant. Avoid loose or flowing fabrics that can catch fire easily. Keep a safe distance from any open flames and never leave them unattended.
Light up your costume. If you are going out after dark, make sure you are visible to drivers and other pedestrians. You can add reflective tape to your costume and bag or carry glow sticks or flashlights. You can also choose costumes that are bright or light-colored.
Be mindful of trick-or-treaters with autism. Some children may have difficulty with social interactions, loud noises, or sensory overload. Be patient and respectful if they do not say “trick-or-treat” or “thank you”, or if they take a long time to choose a candy. You can also offer them non-food items, such as stickers, pencils, or toys.
Choose costumes free of safety hazards. To avoid tripping or falling, make sure your costume fits well and is not too long. Avoid masks that can obscure your vision or cause eye injury. Opt for makeup or hats instead, but make sure to test the makeup for skin irritation first. Remove all makeup before going to bed.
Follow traffic rules. When walking on the streets, stay on sidewalks and cross at corners or crosswalks. Look both ways before crossing and make eye contact with drivers. Do not dart out from behind parked cars or run across the road. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic and as far to the left as possible.
Be careful behind the wheel. If you are driving on Halloween night, be extra cautious and alert for pedestrians. Slow down and watch for children who may be crossing the road unpredictably. Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully. Avoid distraction such as texting or eating while driving.
Have fun. Halloween is a time to celebrate creativity, imagination, and community spirit. Enjoy the costumes, the decorations, the treats, and the spooky atmosphere. Have a good time with your friends and family, but also be respectful of others and their property.
Inspect the candy. Before you eat any treats, check them for signs of tampering, such as unusual appearance, discoloration, pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away any suspicious items or anything that you are allergic to. If you have food allergies, look for teal pumpkins on porches, which indicate that the house offers non-food treats.
We hope these tips help you have a safe and happy Halloween!”