Safety tips for Trick-or-treaters

Fall is here and soon will be the holiday for costumes, candy and fun; a time for kids to be just that — kids.

On Halloween, trick-or-treaters are reminded to be safe when out collecting candy in local neighborhoods.

The Perry Downtown Merchants Association and the Perry Main Street Advisory Board will host the annual “Sweets and Treats” on downtown streets event from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday. Children ages 12 and under are invited to trick-or-treat at participating businesses surrounding the downtown square. The costume contest is at 5:30 p.m. in front of the historic courthouse on the lawn facing Carroll Street.

The official trick-or-treat day/time for the cities of Perry, Warner Robins and Centerville is from 6 to 8 p.m.

Maj. William Phelps with the Perry Police Department advised for parents to make sure that their children wear something reflective and to walk on the side of the road instead of in the roadway. He also advised for trick-or-treaters to walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

Phelps said trick-or-treaters need to be mindful of pets, such as dogs. He advised for parents to check their children’s candy once at home to make sure it’s wrapped and is OK for them to eat.

For those parents who may have a problem with motorists speeding in a neighborhood, Phelps encourages them to call 911 so that officers can check on the situation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides the following safety tips:

• Swords, knives and other costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.

• Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.

• Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Walk and don’t run from house to house.

• Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

• Look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks wherever possible.

• Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

• Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

• Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.

• Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.

• Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept rides from strangers.

• Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant

costumes.

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