SOUTHEASTERN, N.C. — As Halloween festivities kick off this weekend, Wilmington Police Department has provided some helpful tips to keep safe.
On Halloween day next week, additional officers will out patrolling neighborhoods keeping an eye on trick-or-treaters.
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Officers will be equipped with bags of candy and will pass treats around to children they come across, Jennifer Dandron, spokesperson for the police department said.
Wilmington Police Department’s (WPD) safety tips for kids to keep in mind while trick-or-treating:
- Always use a sidewalk
- If there’s no sidewalk, use the left side of the road
- Carry a flashlight
- Only trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods
- Don’t approach homes that are not lit
- Don’t walk across yards on your way to the front door
- Don’t enter an unfamiliar household without adult supervision
For parents and adults, WPD offers the following tips:
- Clean and clear doorways before welcoming trick-or-treaters
- Be cautious while driving
- Consider feeding children a full meal before they head out for the evening. This could reduce their inclination to sneak candy before adults can safely check on it.
- Use a designated driver if you plan to consume alcohol
- Don’t leave your drink unattended
- Don’t consume or allow children to consume homemade treats
- Examine all treats for choking hazards or tampering.
Finally, preparing a costume that is highly visible and safe can help those around you. Here are WPD’s costume tips for this Halloween:
- If you’re over 16, don’t wear a mask. (It’s illegal in North Carolina)
- Don’t wear a costume that drags on the ground
- Make sure your shoes fit
- Keep accessories short, soft and flexible
- Use reflective tape to increase your visibility at night
- Don’t wear decorative eye contacts
- Wear flame resistant material
- Avoid walking near lit candles
