By Tim Lordino, Chadron Police Chief
Halloween is such a wonderful time of year and a special “treat” for our youth. This year we are experiencing a new risk. Due to the COVID-19 virus it would be suggested to avoid or alter most of our favorite “Trick-or-Treat” traditions.
There could be several other safe alternatives such as having a family “candy hunt” at your house. Show off costumes to friends and family on video chat or have a virtual costume contest.
The Chadron Police Department wishes everyone a happy, fun, and above all, safe Halloween. To ensure everyone who chooses to participate in our beloved trick or treat traditions have positive experiences, we suggest following these tips.
• Avoid large gatherings or groups.
• Wait for others to leave a residence before approaching.
• When handing out treats, consider sitting outside and lining up treats on a table.
PARENTS
• Always escort your young children and carry a flashlight.
• Walk on the sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, walk along the left curb facing oncoming traffic.
• Instruct your children NEVER to enter any homes.
• Stay in well-lit areas.
• Inspect all treats before allowing children to eat them.
• Dress your children in appropriate fitting costumes to avoid tripping and snagging.
• Consider placing reflective or glow in the dark tape on your children’s costumes.
• Avoid replica firearms, swords, or toys which can be mistaken for the real thing.
• Teach children their home and/or parent’s cellular phone number or 911 in case they get lost.
TRICK-OR-TREATERS
• Do not trick-or-treat by yourself. Stay in a group.
• Do not take short cuts, especially through alleys.
• Obey all traffic signals and look in all directions when crossing the street.
• Walk! Do not run to your intended destination and don’t dart in and out of cars or driveways.
• If there are no side-walks stay as far left of the roadway as possible.
• Always assume the driver does not see you.
• Only trick-or-treat at homes with their porch light on.
• Never approach a vehicle offering candy.
HOMEOWNERS
• Turn on your porch light so children know it is all right to visit your home.
• If you are placing a Jack-O-Lantern on your porch, place a glow stick inside instead of a candle.
• Hand out only commercially wrapped candy.
• Never invite children into your home.
• Keep pets away from children.
• Maintain clear walkways that are free from obstruction.
MOTORISTS
• Drive slowly and cautiously.
• Look for children on the street, crossing driveways, and darting in between parked vehicles.
• Avoid using your cell phone while driving because it will cause a distraction
• Play your music at a reasonable volume so you can listen for potential children crossing your path.
• Never drink and drive.