While trick-or-treating can be fun and enjoyable for children, it also represents certain hazards and risks. The Bakersfield Police Department’s Community Relations Unit recommends the following tips to make your Halloween a safe one.
* Eye holes in children’s costumes should be large enough for good peripheral vision.
* Add reflective tape or striping to costumes and/or trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
* Realistic replica firearms should never be used.
* All children and their escorts should have flashlights with fresh batteries.
* Place name, emergency identification and address on the costume and/or on a bracelet. Tips for Trick-or-Treating
* A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children when they are trick-or-treating.
* Children should trick-or-treat in a group, preferably with a responsible adult.
* Advise children they should never enter a stranger’s home.
* Children trick-or-treating should obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
* Children should only trick-or-treat in well-known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
* Children trick-or-treating should have specific time limits.
* Instruct children not to eat any treats or candy until it has been brought home and inspected.