“Trick or Treat” on the Marshall Square is scheduled to be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 24, and Halloween is Thursday, October 31
Via its Facebook page, the Marshall Police Department has issued a bunch of tips for those who are going to be participating in either or both events.
All Dressed Up:
•Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
•Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and “Trick-or-Treat” bags for greater visibility.
•Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider nontoxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes. Makeup should be tested ahead of time on a small patch of skin to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises on the big day.
•When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
•If a sword, cane or stick is a part of your child’s costume, make sure it is not sharp or long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he/she stumbles or trips.
•Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as “one size fits all” or “no need to see an eye specialist,” obtaining decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.
•Review with children how to call 9-1-1 if they ever have an emergency or become lost.
Home Safe Home:
•To keep homes safe for visiting “Trick-or-Treaters,” parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
•Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
•Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
•Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a “Trick-or-Treater.”
On the “Trick-or-Treat” Trail:
•A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
•Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
•If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
•Only go to homes with a porch light on, and never enter a home nor a car for a treat.
•Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind “Trick-or-Treaters”:
•Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
•Remember reflective tape for costumes and “Trick-or-Treat” bags.
•Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
•Remain on well-lit streets, and always use the sidewalk.
•If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
•Never cut across yards or use alleys.
•Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks. Never cross between parked cars or out of driveways.
•Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing “Trick-or-Treaters.” Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will.
•Law-enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.