Durham County Sheriff's Office

DURHAM -- The Durham County Sheriff's Office has issued the following series of tips for children and adults regarding Halloween trick-or-treating.

"Halloween is a fun time in Durham County," Sheriff Worth Hill said, "But let's make it a safe time as well. The major dangers are not from witches or spirits but rather from falls and pedestrian/car crashes."

Motorist tips

n Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.

n Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.

n Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.

n At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.

Parental tips

n Make sure that an adult or an older responsible youth will be supervising the outing for children under age 12.

n Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow. Know the names of older children's companions.

n Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.

n Teach your children to stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well-lit and never to enter a stranger's home.

n Establish a return time.

n Tell your youngsters not to eat any treat until they return home.

n Review all appropriate trick-or-treat safety precautions, including pedestrian/traffic safety rules.

n Pin a slip of paper with the child's name, address and phone number inside a pocket in case the youngster gets separated from the group.

Costume design tips

n Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes.

n Costumes should be loose so warm clothes can be worn underneath.

n Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard.

n If children are allowed out after dark, outfits should be made with light colored materials. Strips of retro-reflective tape should be used to make children visible.

Face design tips

n Masks can obstruct a child's vision. Use facial make-up instead.

n When buying special Halloween makeup, check for packages containing ingredients that are labeled "Made with U.S. Approved Color Additives," "Laboratory Tested," "Meets Federal Standards for Cosmetics," or "Non-Toxic." Follow manufacturers' instructions for application.

n If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes.

Accessories tips

n Knives, swords and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible materials. Do not allow children to carry sharp objects.

n Bags or sacks carried by youngsters should be light-colored or trimmed with retro-reflective tape if children are allowed out after dark.

n Carrying flashlights will help children see better and be seen more clearly.

Trick-or-treating tips

n Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision.

n Walk; do not run, from house to house. Do not cross yards and lawns where unseen objects or the uneven terrain can present tripping hazards.

n Walk on sidewalks, not in the street.

n Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic if there are no sidewalks.

n Give children an early meal before going out.

n Insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten.

n Wash fruit and slice into small pieces.

n When in doubt, throw it out.

Homeowner tips

n Keep candles and Jack O' Lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.

n Remove obstacles from lawns, steps and porches when expecting trick-or-treaters.

n Keep candles and Jack O' Lanterns away from curtains, decorations and other combustibles that could catch fire.

n Do not leave your house unattended.