Safety tips for trick or treat

Fairfield?s trick-or-treat hours are 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday.

Jefferson County Sheriff Gregg Morton advises trick-or-treat hours in the smaller outlying towns are from 6-8 p.m. Thursday.

The following safety tips are recommended by the Fairfield Police Department:

? Only trick-or-treat at houses that are lit. Residents who do not wish to participate often leave off lights as a sign.

? Have each child wear or carry something lit, such as a flashlight, glow bracelet or necklace or flashing attire for visibility. Light-up shoes are practical for younger kids.

? Be careful when crossing the street. Make sure to look both ways. If possible, cross the street as a group and hold a very young child?s hand.

? Young children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult. Older kids should not cut through backyards, alleys and fields alone. Make sure they know to stay in populated areas with lots of people around.

? Require well-fitting shoes to be worn, preferably sneakers. Kids planning to trick-or-treat should wear sturdy shoes and not the princess high-heels, too-large boots or other types of shoes often shown with costumes to prevent any tripping hazards.

? Avoid costumes that drag on the ground. While cute initially, costumes that drag can be tripping hazards, get caught on shrubbery or can be accidentally torn by another child.

? Be sure a child?s mask allows for full visibility and breathing.

? Trick-or-treaters should walk, not run, and should never cut across lawns or driveways. Obstacles could exist that aren?t readily visible in the evening.

? Only carry flexible props, such as knives, swords, ninja items, etc., that can?t cause injury if a kid accidentally falls. No play prop should resemble the real item and consider leaving play weapons at home and not carry them as part of trick-or-treat night. Remember, some individuals are offended by seeing small children carry these items; and trick or treating should be a fun and positive experience for everyone.

? Be sure kids don?t get overheated and keep hydrated. Plan costumes according to the weather.

? Think practical over cute when picking a trick-or-treat costume or treat bag or container. Some seemingly fun ones sold in stores are heavy before any treats are added; others are too long and will drag on the ground or have sharp edges that could scrape against skin.

? Manners cost nothing, but go a long ways.

? Parents escorting children in vehicles should be extra diligent about looking for other excited children darting across streets without looking.

? Parents should not let their children eat any treats until it has been examined. All unsealed candy should be discarded.

? Residents putting out jack-o-lanterns on porches are encouraged to use lights instead of candles to prevent a fire. It would be a tragedy for a child to accidently knock over a jack-o-lantern and have a costume catch fire.

? Vandalism is never cool.

? Do teachers a favor and limit the amount of candy kids consume. No teacher wants to deal with the sugar buzz melt down.