Halloween Trick or Treating Tips

Wow! It's already that time of year again when children are dressing up in their halloween costumes and walk the neighborhoods, trick-or-treating for their favorite candy treats. To keep your little ghosts and goblins safe, just take a moment to read these great tips for this fun event!

• Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries to illuminate sidewalks, streets and pathways. This not only helps you see where you are headed, but also allows any vehicle traffic to see you coming. Glow sticks and reflective tape attached to the costumes are great as well.
• Be aware of how the costumes are designed, and use precaution when walking. Ensure that the lengths are adjusted to avoid tripping, and masks allow proper eyesight during the darkness.
• If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.
• Always stay in sight of your little ones. Never allow them to run ahead or approach a home alone.
• Carry and extra bag for candy just in case your child's bag breaks or gets too heavy to carry.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home for a treat.
• Children should only cross the street with an adult.
• Do not cut across yards or driveways when trick or treating. There may be items in the yard that can not be seen in the dark that could injure a child.

Homeowners, try to do the following the day before Halloween:

• Make sure your yard is clear of such things as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flower pots that can trip the young ones.
• Secure your pets. Some pets get frightened or are threatened by trick or treaters.
• If you use candles for your jack-o-lantern, place them a distance away from where trick or treaters will be walking or standing.

There are quite a few homes in our community that have some awesome Halloween decorations this year! Take a moment to walk through the community and enjoy these creative displays. If you live in Bradford Chase, we would be happy to feature pictures of your home on this site if you wish. Please send pictures to bradford.chase@ymail.com . Please specify how and if you want your name displayed. We look forward to your pictures and a safe and Happy Halloween this year!