As local children swarm the streets tonight to beg for candy from their neighbors, authorities are offering some tips to keep everyone safe.
"Visibility, number one," Dave Webster, a public education specialist at the Cape Coral Fire Department, said Tuesday. "The kids have to be visible."
Children can use flashlights and glowsticks, and parents can incorporate reflective tape or items into a child's costume to increase visibility. Wearing a light-colored costume or clothing to start with also accomplishes this.
"Anything to make them seen is certainly a big advantage," he said.
Whether homemade or store bought, costumes should be made of non-flammable materials. Steer clear of billowing and long trailing fabric that can catch fire, and children should be able to see clearly out of their masks.
"If it impairs their vision, then they're not going to see the danger before it comes to them," Webster said.
Fact Box
Safety tips for motorists
- Exercise extra vigilance for
trick-or-treaters, especially
small children.
- If you are wearing a costume,
make sure it does not impede
your ability to operate your
vehicle in a safe manner.
- If you plan to consume alcohol,
be responsible. Do not drink and
drive.
- To report the location of an
impaired driver in Lee County,
dial 911.
Source: Lee County Sheriff's Office
Safety tips for trick-or-treaters
- Aim for visibility with a
light-colored costume or clothing,
or incorporate reflective items or
tape into a costume. Use
flashlights or glowsticks.
- Make sure costumes are made
of non-flammable materials, and
steer clear of billowing and long
trailing fabric.
- Children should see clearly out
of masks, or try makeup instead.
- Young children should be
chaperoned by an adult. Trick-or-
treat in groups and stick to
known neighborhoods.
- Never go inside a stranger's
home, and avoid dark or poorly
lit ones.
- Check a child's planned route
against the Florida Department
of Law Enforcement's Sexual
Offender and Predator database.
- Stay on the sidewalk. If there are
no sidewalks available, walk
along the curb and face traffic,
so motorists can see you
coming.
- Parents should screen all candy
and treats.
- Do not accept or eat anything not
commercially wrapped.
- For young children, remove
choking hazards such as gum,
peanuts, hard candy and small
toys.
Source: Cape Coral Fire Department and Lee County Sheriff's Office
Makeup may be a better option than a mask.
Costumes should also fit correctly to prevent trips and falls.
"Obviously, younger children should be chaperoned by an adult," he said, adding that anyone who goes out tonight should be part of a group.
"Nobody should be trick or treating alone," Webster said.
Trick-or-treaters should stick to the neighborhoods they know.
"Don't go to people's homes if you don't know who they are," he said.
When out walking, stay on the sidewalk. If there are no sidewalks available, walk along the curb and face traffic, so motorists can see you coming.
