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In the past few years, Mother Nature has been playing some tricks of her own on local children, forcing officials to cancel Halloween and trick-or-treating altogether due to inclement weather. This year, with a favorable forecast and plenty of eager kids itching to see who can collect the most candy, local officials are stressing the importance of safety and precaution.
“Tomorrow is Halloween, please drive slowly,” Tuckahoe officials said in a statement. “Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways. Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and curbs. Enter and exit driveways carefully and eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.”
In Bronxville, Police Chief Christopher Satriale issued a lengthy tip sheet about how to stay safe on Halloween that includes planning bright, reflective costumes and trick-or-treat bags. They also advise utilizing make-up over vision-obscuring masks, ensuring that costume props don’t pose a threat and purchasing flashlights for when nightfall comes.
Additionally, parents are warned that children should never carve pumpkins; they should instead draw the face on, with an adult doing the cutting. A small light instead of a candle inside the jack-o-lantern also reduces the threat of fire.
Other tips from the police include the following:
- Remove potential obstacles from properties, including wet or piled leaves, to reduce the threat of tripping
- Leave outside lights on for trick-or-treaters.
- Restrain family pets so they don’t inadvertently go after a trick-or-treater.
- Parents should accompany young children on the trick-or-treat trail.
- Older children venturing independently should have their routes planned and reviewed by adults.
- Never enter a home or car for treats.
- Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
- Walk on the far edge of the roadway facing traffic if there is no sidewalk available.
- Do not cut across yards or use alleys.
- Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
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