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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.
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“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:
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Cross only at
corners.
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Never cross
between parked cars.
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Walk facing
oncoming traffic if there is no sidewalk.
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--Remove masks
before crossing the street.
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Be aware of cars
that may be turning into or backing out of driveways.
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Never go into a
stranger's house.
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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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