Important Information About Halloween 

Although children look forward to tricks, treats, and ghoulish garb, Halloween can be fraught with fright for parents, with candy given to their kids by strangers and a legion of masked and costumed trick-or-treaters at the door. However, following a few safety tips can ensure safe fun for kids and candy-givers alike.

Safety Tips

To ensure that trick-or-treaters, you, and your house stay safe, remember the following tips:

• Clear your yard and sidewalk of any obstacles or decorations that may be hard to see in the dark, lest someone go bump in the night.
• Keep your house well lighted, both inside and out; you wouldn't want to miss any particularly good costumes, would you?
• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to local law enforcement

Check Sex Offender Registry

The Lakemoor Police Department warns parents to check the sex offender registry to determine the safest trick-or-treat path for your child.

Safe Halloween Costumes

To make sure even the scariest costumes are safe, keep the following in mind when buying or designing one:

• Try makeup instead of masks; it's more comfortable and doesn't obstruct vision the way masks can.

• Check to ensure that costumes are flame-retardant so that young ones are safe around jack-o'-lanterns, candles, and other flames.

• Keep costumes short to ensure that the only trip taken is the one around the neighborhood.Look for brightly colored costumes, attach reflector strips to costumes and bags, and remind trick-or-treaters to carry glow sticks and flashlights.

• If a costume involves any sort of fake weapon, make sure that it is made of a flexible material such as cardboard or foam. Or, avoid the whole problem of weapons by challenging your child to design a costume that is scary without one.

Trick-or-Treating

Keep in mind the next few tips to make sure your trick-or-treater's night in the neighborhood will be safe and fun.

• Older kids should trick-or-treat in groups; kids walking around alone are never as safe as those in groups, and especially not at night. Younger kids should be accompanied by a parent or trusted neighbor.