Wednesday, Oct. 22

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Bomke offers tips for safe
trick-or-treating    
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[OCT. 22, 2003]  SPRINGFIELD -- With Halloween fast approaching, families and area residents are making plans for trick-or-treating. State Sen. Larry Bomke offers a few helpful safety tips to make the holiday more enjoyable for everyone.

“Children should also be cautious, but Halloween is a time to be especially careful,” said Bomke, R-Springfield. “Review these safety tips with your child before trick-or-treating time and take precautions on your own to ensure everyone has a safe and happy Halloween.”

According to Bomke, Halloween revelers young and old should take precautions to ensure their costumes are safe. Make sure the costume is flame-retardant, made of bright or reflective materials for outdoor celebrations, and does not include dangling pieces that may cause tripping or falling. Also, consider makeup instead of a mask and wear comfortable shoes if you will be walking at night.

For trick-or-treating, children, parents and motorists all need to beware of potential dangers. Children should:

  • Cross only at corners.

  • Never cross between parked cars.

  • Walk facing oncoming traffic if there is no sidewalk.

  • --Remove masks before crossing the street.

  • Be aware of cars that may be turning into or backing out of driveways.

  • Never go into a stranger's house.

  • Go only to homes where the residents are known and lights are on as a sign of welcome.

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Parents should also take precautions such as knowing the route their children will be taking, making sure the streets are well-lit, knowing what other activities or parties the children will attend, setting time limits on when children should return home, explaining to children the difference between tricks and vandalism, and instructing children not to eat treats until they return home and parents have had a chance to inspect those treats.

Bomke also cautions drivers to be on alert during designated trick-or-treating times. They should stay alert for kids crossing the streets, drive slowly and do not run red lights.

To ensure kids have a safe evening, area residents can also help by removing obstacles from the lawns and steps so kids can trick-or-treat without fear of injury, keeping pets away from the front door if treats are being offered, and making sure the home and lawn are well-lit. A well-lit home also deters vandals.

[News release]

[Lincoln Halloween activities]

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