Halloween safety is priority

Published 9:39 am Wednesday, October 28, 2015

It is the season for ghosts and goblins to go door-to-door, seeking treats for their satchels. And treats they shall have, lest you be left with tricks upon your home.

On Thursday evening, children in Ironton, South Point, Coal Grove, Hanging Rock, Proctorville and Chesapeake will put on their masks and take to the streets in search of a bounty of candy.

Here are some helpful tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

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• Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.

• Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always walk and don’t run from house to house.

• Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.

• Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

• Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.

• Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.

• Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult.

• Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Following these basic guidelines is a good first step toward having a happy Halloween for all those little ghouls and goblins out there.