Halloween Can Be Fun and Safe, Says Ocean County Prosecutor

With Halloween at hand, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato reminds parents parents and their costumed kids in search of treats to keep safety top of mind. He's issued a list of tips to keep it enjoyable and free of dangers.

TRICK-OR-TREATERS
If your youngster's roaming house to house to fill up a treat bag, stick with daylight hours. Consider using make-up rather than masks.  Masks may obstruct a child's vision making it difficult for them to see oncoming traffic.

Wear light-colored clothing or add reflective tape to darker costumes.  Always carry a flashlight at night. Inexpensive battery-operated strobe lights are now sold in many drug stores and convenience stores.

An adult should always accompany small children when they are out trick-or-treating.  Older children should travel in groups for their safety.

Make sure trick-or-treaters know to only approach familiar houses that have outside lights on and never enter a stranger's house or vehicle.

DRIVERS
Stay alert at all times for young children who may dart in front of your vehicle unexpectedly.  In the excitement of the day, trick-or-treaters probably won't be paying attention to passing motor vehicles, so slow down and drive cautiously.

If you attend a Halloween party where alcohol is served, make sure you have a designated driver for the trip home. Alcohol, even in small amounts, slows reaction time and dulls the senses.  With small children running from house to house, driving while under the influence can have a deadly result.

If you are transporting trick-or-treaters, remember that seat belt laws are not a burden, but a proven lifesaving measure. Costume or not, buckle up!

TREATS
Consider handing out something other than candy - fast food coupons, pens, sports cards, for example.

All opened candy should be thrown out.  Make your own trick-or-treaters wait until they return home, and you have examined their goodies, before they sample any treats. It is sad to think people may tamper with food and candy given to children, Coronato said, but better safe than sorry.

Halloween isn't just for kids. Spend quality time with your children by trick-or-treating with them - it's not only safer for them to walk with an adult, but it also can be a lot of fun for you.

Follow the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor online at Twitter and Facebook.  For additional information visit the Prosecutor's website..