It’s that time of year again!  A dentist’s dream!  Halloween means trick-or-treat fun, and a whole lot of candy!!!

There’s no doubt that these can sometimes seem like scary times we’re living in, (and I don’t mean the Halloween type of scary), but Halloween just wouldn’t be the same without trick-or-treating, and having those little buggers beg for candy.  As long as everyone follows the safety tips, everyone can be assured of a safe, fun, happy Halloween, complete with the promise of newly formed cavities.
The following message was provided by the Cranford Police Force.  Be sure to go over the safety tips for trick-or-treaters with your kids, but don’t neglect the tips for parents and homeowners, as well.  Remember that those little ghouls and goblins will be out in droves, and they will be running on pure sugar, so might not always be on optimum look-out.

 

Cranford Police will be out in force on Halloween to make sure Trick-or-Treaters are safe. Here is some information from Chief Eric Mason and the Cranford Police Department to ensure a safe and Happy Halloween.

 

PARENTS:

• Always escort your children and carry a flashlight after dark.

• Be familiar with the neighborhood where your children will be trick-or-treating.

• Set a specific time for your child/children to be out.

• Always know who is trick-or-treating with your children.

• Walk on the sidewalks and not in the middle of the street.

• Instruct your children NEVER to enter any homes.

• Stay in well-lighted areas.

• Inspect all treats before allowing children to eat them.

• Choose fireproof comfortable costumes made of light colored material so they can be easily seen in the dark.

• Consider placing reflective or glow in the dark tape on your children’s costumes.

• Have children avoid wearing eye makeup or masks, which will restrict their vision.

• Avoid having children carry replica firearms, swords, or toys which can be mistaken for the real thing.

• Give out only commercially wrapped candy.

• Teach children their home and/or parent’s cellular phone number in case they get lost.

 

TRICK-or-TREATERS:

• Do not trick-or-treat by yourself.

• If props are carried, they should be made of soft rubber, Styrofoam, or other pliable material.

• Obey all traffic signals and look in all directions when crossing the street.

 

• Don’t run! Walk to your intended destination and don’t dart in and out of cars or driveways. If there are no sidewalks stay as far left of the roadway as possible.

• Walk in the direction facing traffic.

• Only trick-or-treat at homes with their porch light on. Never approach a car offering candy.

• Wait until you get home before eating any treats.

 

HOMEOWNERS:

• Turn on your porch light so children know it is all right to visit your home.

• If you are placing a Jack-O-Lantern on your porch, place a glow stick inside instead of a candle.

• Hand out only commercially wrapped candy.

• Never invite children into your home.

• Maintain clear walkways that are free from obstruction.

• If using candles, keep them away from the path of children.

• Immediately notify law enforcement of any suspicious activity.

 

MOTORISTS:

• Drive slowly and cautiously.

• Look for children walking on the street, running, and darting in between parked vehicles.

• Be extra careful when entering and exiting driveways