Halloween safety measures to take when trick-or-treating
JACKSON, Tenn. — With one day to Halloween we’re taking a look at the safety measures you can take while many are out and about trick-or-treating.
During Halloween, authorities always encourage bright costumes or personal reflectors for your wrist or even a spare flashlight or glow sticks that can be held or attached to the back of a costume.
At this time every year probation and parole officers with the Tennessee Department of Correction will carry out Operation Blackout, a statewide effort designed to enhance public safety and protect children during trick-or-treating.
Founder of Kids and Car Safety Janette Fennell tells us where your children should be at at all times.
“Keep them within arms reach because you never know when they’re going to get excited and dart out between two vehicles and get hit by a vehicle, or they’re walking on a sidewalk and didn’t realize that a car is backing out of the driveway. These aren’t things that could happen these are things that have happened and we really want to make sure that parents understand those dangers so they can protect those little ghost and goblins,” said Fennell.
Before you dig into the candy bowl, check to see if it’s safe.
“Make sure the candy is in its original packaging and it’s properly stored. If you encounter any candy that looks suspicious you can contact us at the police department and we’ll have officers take a look at it. If you observe that your child has candy that doesn’t look like it’s an original container or package or its been tampered with or open at all we just ask you to throw it away,” said Chief William Yates, Union City Police Department.
Parents, children, and drivers are urged to stay vigilant, monitor activity on sidewalks, carefully cross intersections, and watch your speed on the roadway.
“We want to remind the families and children going out to use the buddy system. Make sure you’re not going out alone and stay in well lit areas. Be able to have a way to communicate with your parents or guardian that you’re going out and stay kind of close,” said Chief Yates.
According to Kids and Car Safety experts, children under 12 should be directly supervised by a responsible adult and children ages five and under are the most at risk for accidents because the driver cannot see them due to lack of visibility.
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