In support of the public safety with our citizens who live, work and play in Kosciusko County, the Kosciusko County Coroner’s Office is in support of the following press release, as we celebrate the upcoming holiday of Halloween, we encourage everyone to enjoy the event, but to enjoy it safely!  Here are some safety reminders and recommendations.

Tips for motorists

• Due to the number of children out on the street on Halloween evening, motorists should be very careful driving along city streets, especially in neighborhoods, during designated trick-or-treat hours.
• Avoid talking on a cell phone or other distracting activities.
• Remember that excited children may dart out into traffic at any time without warning.
• Drive with your headlights on, even during daylight trick-or-treat hours, so that your vehicle is more visible to children.

Safety on the road

• Trick-or-treaters should use sidewalks instead of the street whenever possible and always cross at crosswalks.
• Remind children to look both ways before crossing the street.
• Teach children to never assume they are seen by a vehicle. Small children may be especially difficult to spot in the dark.
•   Children should also carry flashlights after dark to easily see and be seen.

Costumes

• When purchasing costumes, masks, beards and wigs, make sure the label says “flame resistant.” While this doesn’t ensure these items won’t catch fire, it does indicate the items will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
• To minimize the risk of contact with candles or other sources of ignition, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.
• Apply a natural mask of cosmetics rather than have a child wear a loose-fitting mask that might restrict breathing or obscure vision. If a mask is used, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.
• For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car’s headlights. Bags or sacks should also be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle, and sporting goods stores.

Safe homes

• Homeowners and renters expecting trick-or-treaters should remove anything that could be an obstacle from lawns, steps and porches.
• Check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
• Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps to avoid slips.
• Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

Trick-or-treating

• Only trick-or-treat during hours designated by the community.
• Children should only visit familiar homes that have the porch light on.
• Make sure older children trick-or-treat with friends and carry a cell phone for quick communication.
• Younger children should walk in groups with older children or be accompanied by an adult.
• Children should never enter a home, but should wait on the porch for the resident to hand out treats.

Eating treats

• Children should be instructed to refrain from eating any treats until after they get home.
• Parents should inspect their children’s treats before allowing the children to eat them.
• Only eat candy wrapped in its original wrapper and inspect all fruit thoroughly before allowing children to eat it.