Halloween is a lot of fun for the family, but taking safety precautions and looking out for each other is very important to avoid a tragic mishap.  The Duluth Police Department has several tips that will help everyone have a safe night.

The following tips were shared on their Facebook page:

Walk Safely  

  • Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
  • Look both ways when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
  • Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don���t run, across the street.
  • Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
  • Always walk on sidewalks or paths when they are available. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
  • Watch for cars that are turning or backing up.
  • Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Trick or Treat With an Adult  

  • Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
  • I know it may be tempting, but don't eat anything until it's inspected by a parent or responsible adult.

Costumes  

  • Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
  • Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
  • Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
  • When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

For Drivers

  • Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
  • Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
  • Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
  • Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
  • Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
  • Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.
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It's definitely worth sitting with kids and going over these tips just to make them aware that while Halloween should be a fun time, it also requires some precautions and common sense from everyone.

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