Published: October 29, 2009 08:33 am      

Tips for keeping Halloween safe

Just a reminder that trick-or-treaters will be out in force on Friday and Saturday nights, so be careful out there. Unfortunately, Logansport got a real-life reminder of the danger that goes along with the fun when two children ran in front of a pickup truck on the first night of trick-or-treating two years ago. One of the youngsters wound up in a Fort Wayne hospital, and what had been an evening of fun turned into a nightmare for one Logansport family.

Before the kids head out this year, here are some tips every parent might want to pass along:

• Accept treats only in the doorway. Never go inside the house.

• Visit only houses with the lights on.

• Don’t cut through alleys and fields. Walk on sidewalks and driveways.

• Look both ways before you cross the street and then cross only at the corner or in a crosswalk.

Parents should also make sure every child’s costume is short enough that it doesn’t become a tripping hazard, and try make-up instead of a mask. A mask can obstruct a child’s vision, which can make crossing the street and going up and down stairs a bit dangerous.

Make sure children wear light colors or put reflective tape on their costumes.

Don’t let the kids go out alone. Younger children should be accompanied by an adult, and older children should stay with friends.

Map out a safe route so you’ll know where your kids will be. If children are out after dark, make sure they have flashlights and travel on well-lighted streets.

Children should eat no treats until they get home and their parents have had a chance to check the treats in a well-lighted place.

Police will be out in force on Friday and Saturday nights in an effort to make sure that a fun evening stays fun.

Officers will be especially on the lookout for anyone who is up to any Halloween tricks.

If you’re out driving, slow down a bit and keep your eyes open for ghosts and goblins.

Let’s make it a safe and happy Halloween.