Halloween is here and while we want everyone to have a great time trick-or-treating, your children's safety should be a top priority.

As you and your children walk and ride through neighborhoods across Acadiana, everyone should be mindful of possible hazards and dangerous situations.

To help in making this a safe Halloween, Louisiana State Troopers offer up the following common safety tips:

  • Ensure that your child carries a flashlight or glow stick, and/or wears reflective clothing or costumes to alert drivers of the child’s location.
  • Masks can restrict vision and breathing, restricting sight of oncoming vehicles. Face painting is a safe option.
  • Costumes should fit children correctly and not drag the ground, as this could create a tripping hazard.
  • Children should be accompanied by adults/parents and should not be allowed to enter homes or vehicles without their supervision.
  • Plan your trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets.
  • Always walk on sidewalks when available. If walking on the street is necessary, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
  • Children should also know their address, phone number, and how to dial 911 for emergencies. Young children should have this information attached somewhere on their costume in the event they get separated or lost.
  • Parents are urged to inspect all candy for safety after returning home.

Motorists are also urged to use caution and drive slowly through residential areas. Trick-or-treaters may run across roadways without looking out for vehicles or their vision could be obscured by masks they're wearing.

Bottom line, use common sense and have patience with the little ones (and the big ones).

 

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