Police Offer Halloween Safety Tips

Chief Charlie Sewell said the department will be on "alert status" this Halloween and that officers will heavily patrol residential and commercial areas where children are present.

One piece of advice Sewell has is that motorists drive below the posted speed limit in and around neighborhoods where children might be walking.

"A child thinking about their next gift of candy might not always be alert to the dangers of traffic," he said. "In addition, costume masks often make it hard for a child to have adequate peripheral vision."

Here are some more safety tips from Powder Springs police for before, during and after Halloween.

Before Halloween:  

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
• Secure emergency identification (name, address and phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.
• Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative.
• When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant.
• Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.
• Use flashlights with fresh batteries for everyone.
• Plan ahead to use only battery-powered lanterns or chemical light sticks in place of candles in decorations and costumes.
• Know your home phone number and to how call 9-1-1. Be aware that 9-1-1 can be dialed free from any phone.   

Fun Alternatives:

• Find a special event or start one in your own neighborhood.
• Community centers, shopping malls and houses of worship may have organized festivities.
• Share the fun by arranging a visit to a retirement home or senior center.

Before Nightfall on Halloween:

• Eat a good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating.
• While it can be fun to help with carving a pumpkin, using knives should be left to adults.
• Plan and review with your parents a route and behavior which is acceptable to you.
• Do not use bicycles, roller-blades or skateboards.
• Discuss with your parents when you will return home.
• Along with flashlights, you should wear a wristwatch and carry coins for non-emergency phone calls. 

When trick-or-treating:

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.
• Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.
• Only trick-or-treat in well known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
• Never cut across yards or use alleys.
• Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
• Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.                                                
• Always walk. Never run across a street.
• Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks.
• Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley.
• Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops doesn't mean others will.
• Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.
• No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an adult at home.
• Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

After trick-or-treating:   

• An adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
• Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.
• Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.

For any further questions or comments, please call the Powder Springs Police Department at 770-943-1616.