By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
DOWNRIVER – Keep the fun in Halloween trick-or-treating Oct. 31 by keeping your young ghosts and goblins safe with common sense tips and by making safety practices second nature.
Wyandotte Police Chief Daniel Grant encourages families to have a parent, guardian or older brother or sister accompany children trick-or-treating, and to only go to the houses of people they know.
Parents should make sure masks allow a child to see clearly, and that costumes are safe to wear.
“Light colors are more easily seen at night,” Grant said. “Use reflective tape on your costume and carry a flashlight so you can easily see and be seen.”
He said trick-or-treat routes should be agreed upon ahead of time, and the streets chosen should be well lit.
“Children should look carefully before crossing the street, and cross only at corners,” Grant said. “Never cross the street between parked cars or in the middle of the block.”
Parents are also urged to look at all treats when the children get home, and to only give and accept wrapped and packaged candy.
“Parents should carefully inspect treats for signs of tampering or metal objects,” Grant said.
He also urged residents to report suspicious situations to the police department.
Riverview Police Chief Clifford Rosebohm encourages people to walk safely, using sidewalks, and to watch out for cars backing up.
“Look left, right, and left again, (and) keep looking as you cross,” Rosebohm said. “Put your electronic devices down, keep your head up, (and) don’t run, walk across the street.”
Melvindale Police Chief John Allen encourages trick-or-treaters to travel in groups, and to let all parents know the route and the time schedule.
“Accept candy only at the doorway, and never enter a stranger’s home,” Allen said. “Plus, don’t use realistic replica guns.”
For more tips, go to safekids.org/tip/halloween-safety-tips.