By Staff
Currently this nation is in a situation unlike it has ever been in, making the need for caution and care as great as ever. And though it's easy to dwell on the bad, we encourage parents to take their kids out for fun tonight, but remember when doing so that there are some good rules to follow.
Last week, two columns pointed to some common safety tips for making Halloween safe and fun.
Merriline Garrett and Carolyn Bivins offered tips they have picked up, including some tips that came from Atmore Mayor Howard Shell.
We have taken these, added some more that have been released by experts throughout the nation and we offer them to you again in the hopes that they may make your Halloween a litter safer and more enjoyable.
Bring your treats home before tasting them.
Wear light-colored costumes decorated with reflective tape and avoid Halloween masks for better visibility.
Observe the basic pedestrian safety rules of the National Safety Council.
Use flashlights after dark.
If you carry a pumpkin, light it with a flashlight, not a candle.
Call only at homes that welcome you with exterior or porch lights on.
Young children always should be accompanied by an adult. If possible take your children trick-or-treating when it is early and still light out. Approach only houses where the outside light is turned on, a good sign they are expecting children.
Parents need to check candy when the children get home. Tampering is rare, but better safe than sorry. Throw out any treats that appear questionable.
Although giving out the treats is almost as much fun as getting them, (if you're an adult!) take into consideration that children will be getting a lot of candy.
Take care on city streets, noting safety laws when crossing intersections.
As always, bicycles and other vehicles should always be kept off of sidewalks that could be crowded with trick-or-treaters.
Remember to observe the city's set hours for trick-or-treating from 5:30-8 p.m.
And don't forget that trick-or-treaters can come by the office of The Atmore Advance to have their photos taken for a special section that will publish in November.
Happy Halloween!