Halloween is Sunday night, and Biloxi public safety leaders are advising those families who are not participating in organized gatherings to make safety a priority when trick-or-treating in city neighborhoods. The city offers these tips:
When trick-or-treating:
— A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
— Use a flashlight to see and be seen.
— Remove any mask or item that may limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley.
— Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.
— Trick-or-treat only in well-known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
— Remain on well-lit streets and use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk exists, walk at the farthest edge of roadway facing traffic.
— Never cut across yards or use alleys.
— Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.
— Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
— Always walk. Never run across a street, and only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks.
— Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have difficulty seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will.
— Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered. In fact, no treats should be eaten until thoroughly checked by an adult at home.
— Authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.
After trick-or-treating:
— Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
— Try to apportion treats for the days after Halloween.
— Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies) are given only to those of an appropriate age.
