Officials stress holiday safety

Police are urging parents to take steps to keep children safe this Halloween.

Rocky Mount Police Capt. Laura Fahnestock said officers will be patrolling the neighborhoods during the trick-or-treating hours from 6 to 8 p.m. today.

She urged drivers to obey traffic laws and to slow down during those hours due to increased pedestrians. She also is urging people to contact the police department if they see anything suspicious, including unusual items found in trick-or-treater’s baskets.

“We’re encouraging parents to take children to church or community events as opposed to door-to-door trick-or-treating,” she said Friday morning. “We’re encouraging safety and that people not drink and drive. We’re expecting very good weather and probably several events. People need to make sure they are using common sense and practicing safety tips.”

The police department’s safety tips advise:

• Keeping safety in mind when choosing costumes. They should be bright and reflective, short enough to prevent tripping, include properly fitting shoes and include make-up instead of a mask. Costumes should also include the child’s name, address, phone number and a flashlight to increase visibility. Costumes including weapons or props should not closely resemble the real thing. Parents should only allow soft, flexible or otherwise harmless props.
• Picking a safe trick-or-treat location. Parents should considered staying in the neighborhood. If the neighborhood is unsuitable, visit a family member or close friend. Take the children to the local mall or church event.
• Checking all candy. Throw out any pieces that look suspicious or are unwrapped, and discard candy that may present a choking hazard for young children. If in doubt, throw it out.

The American Red Cross Frederick E. Turnage Chapter also is offering safety and flu-prevention tips.

“We don’t want anyone to go out trick-or-treating and come home sick,” said Lynwood Roberson, regional executive with the Red Cross in a prepared statement.

He recommends:

• Keeping a sick child home. “This will be disappointing to your young one, but your neighbors and community are counting on you to hold the line on transmission of this virus.”
• Reminding kids to keep their hands away from their eyes, nose and mouth to keep germs away. “Carry that hand sanitizer with you or have it near your candy dispensing area.”
• Handing out small, individually wrapped bags of treats instead of a bowl of candy.
• Throwing away any unwrapped candy and inspecting the rest for choking hazards and tampering.
• Using flame-resistant costumes.
• Accompanying young children as they make their way around the neighborhood.
• Making sure the trick-or-treaters have a flashlight. Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags. Have everyone wear light-colored clothing to be seen.
• Visiting only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door — never go inside.
• Walking only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic. Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner. Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars.
• Being cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.
• Having porch lights on and sweeping leaves from sidewalks and steps.
• Clearing porches or front yards of any obstacles that a child could trip over.
• Restraining pets.
• Using a glow stick instead of a candle in your jack-o-lantern to avoid a fire hazard.