SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – The Sioux City Police Department announced that trick-or-treating will be observed from 6 to 8 pm, Monday, October 31.
The police department has offered the following safety tips for a safe and fun Halloween.
For Parents and Trick-or-Treaters:
- Halloween costumes should be made of fire-retardant material, fit snugly so they don’t interfere with walking, and the eye holes should be large enough for good peripheral vision.
- Teach children to stay away from open flames, including pumpkins with candles.
- A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
- If your older children are traveling alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should come home.
- Only go to houses with the porch light on and never enter a house or car to receive a gift.
- Before allowing your children to eat any of the treats, inspect them to make sure they are safe.
- Stay in a group and communicate where you are going.
- Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
- Stay on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
- If no sidewalk is available, walk on the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
- Never cross yards or use alleys.
- Only cross the street as a group at established crosswalks. Never cross between parked cars or out of driveways.
- Do not assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treating. Just because one car stops doesn’t mean others will.
- Law enforcement authorities must be notified immediately of any suspicious or illegal activity.
For homeowners:
- Make sure your yard is free of things like ladders, hoses, flower pots, pet leashes, etc.
- Keep sidewalks, driveways, and patios free of tripping hazards.
- Walkways and light paths that children can take.
- Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick on the pumpkins.
- Dried flowers, corn stalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.
- Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms are working.
For motorists:
- Be on the lookout for trick-or-treating on Halloween. Slow down and continue to scan the road in areas where they are likely to be or where sight distances are limited.
- On Halloween there will probably be more pedestrians on the streets and in places where they are not expected. Slower speeds save lives.
- Be alert for pedestrians who might jump out from between parked cars or behind bushes. Stop, wait for them to pass.
- Don’t look at your phone while driving. Your attention should always be on the road.
- Pull over to the side of the road to let passengers out.
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