WPD chief shares Halloween safety reminders

WPD chief shares Halloween safety reminders

WPD chief shares Halloween safety reminders

WINNEMUCCA - The Winnemucca Police Department wants to remind local parents that Monday, Oct. 31, has been officially designated as Halloween night in Winnemucca.

During the official hours of 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. local neighborhoods will be filled to the brim with eager young trick-or-treaters. They will be looking forward to finding just the right house passing out their favorite type of candy.

This time of fun and enjoyment can be laden with mishaps. By following some safety tips you can help these youngsters have a safe and happy Halloween experience.

• Ensure that children's costumes do not restrict their vision and that they are made from a fire-retardant, light colored or reflective material.

• Children should carry flashlights or inexpensive disposable "light-sticks."

• Parents should always accompany small children who could easily become the victims of "bullies."

• Always cross streets at crosswalks and use lighted intersections when possible.

• Going only to the homes of people you know lessens the danger of receiving candy which may have been tampered with. In all cases however parents should carefully inspect their children's candy and throw away any which is opened, torn, punctured or otherwise suspicious. Follow the maxim, "If in doubt-throw it out!"

• Many parents choose the option of attending sponsored parties which may provide a safer alternative.

As a homeowner there are also steps you may take that will make trick-or-treating safer for your young guests as well.

• Make sure that your yard is free from debris such as bicycles, rakes or hoses that small children could trip on.

• Make sure that your entryway is well lit!

• Make sure that candlelit pumpkins are set back where they cannot ignite costumes.

• If you choose to pass out candy use only commercially purchased treats. Most parents throw away homemade goodies for safeties sake. (This let's you save your special homemade treats for family and friends!)

• Many responsible homeowners place their candy in small baggies and write their name and address on a piece of paper inside. In this way a parent can tell where the individual treats came from.

• Don't be too scary! An overly frightened child could run into the street or trip and fall.

• Put all pets away for the evening. It's better for the children and the pets!

• Lastly, remember that if you choose not to participate to turn off your front porch light. This is a universal sign that you choose not to participate.

WPD Chief Eric Silva also wanted to take the time to remind local motorists about safety tips that can make the night's event safer for everyone involved.

• Area drivers should be aware of small children who could dart out in to traffic. This is especially true in areas where parked cars obstruct your view of sidewalks.

• Follow the "Rule of Twos"; for every child you see, expect that there is at least one more child following behind them. Look for that other child.

• Decrease speed accordingly! It is no excuse that you were driving the speed limit when you have already hit a child!

• If you don't have to be out driving around, stay home. Use the opportunity to read that book you've wanted to start or watch a video with your family.

• Finally, for parents with trick-or-treaters, don't drive from house to house. Instead use your car only to reach the neighborhood you want to trick-or-treat in and then walk the neighborhood with your children.

The Winnemucca Police Department will be out in force Halloween evening monitoring the safety of "trick or treaters" as well as keeping a watchful eye out for those who would create mischief. If you see a Winnemucca police officer out on Halloween night, make sure to ask the officer for a free glowing necklace, reflective candy bag and some candy. Parents can also get glowing necklaces for their children at the police department during regular business hours. The Winnemucca Police Department would like to encourage all citizens to work together to keep the evening safe for the youngest members of the community.



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