Take care to stay safe this Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner, which means trick-or-treaters will be out hunting for candy. There are a few precautions we can take to make the evening safer for everyone.

Here are some reminders for you as a driver and a parent, and safety tips to pass on to your costumed kids.

Halloween lands on a Thursday this year. Many people on Thursday hurry home in anticipation for Friday and the weekend. So, take extra caution on the roads, and be alert for children walking the streets. There will be more pedestrians than normal, and some kids in costume may be difficult to see. Slow down, and look for kids crossing the street.

Adults should escort trick-or-treaters 12 and younger. It’s safest to stay in groups and with an adult present at all times. Have a flashlight and an ability to call home.

While collecting candy door to door, it is safest to avoid any homemade candy or treats. Store-bought, individually wrapped candies and treats are safest from potential harm.

They may be slightly less scary, but reflective costumes are easiest for drivers to spot and therefore recommended. And trick-or-treaters should stay on the sidewalk in well-lighted neighborhoods. If you are in dark or dimly lit neighborhoods, use your flashlight for added visibility and alert to motorists.

There will be some scheduled planned trick-or-treating events around town that are safely planned by different organizations. Check around for some fun events for the kids. We at the firehouse will be outside with our freshly carved pumpkins, passing out candy to any who stop by and say hi.

Hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween!

Brian Shea is a Boulder city paramedic/firefighter.