Maitland City Talk

Goblins, ghouls, princesses and witches! It’s that time of year again – scary and cute costumes galore and mountains of candy – Halloween! Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to child safety. There are several easy and effective behaviors that parents can share with kids to help reduce their risk of injury.

The Maitland Police Department is actively involved with our city’s families each and every Halloween. The Police Department will have a full complement of police vehicles out during the trick or treat hours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. to add an additional safety presence across all neighborhoods in the city. Continuing the yearly tradition, Maitland police officers will be busy handing out glow sticks for the kids in our neighborhoods. Not only do the kids love them, but they are also a great safety feature for kids walking in the neighborhoods.

We would urge anyone who is planning on going out trick-or-treating this Halloween to stay safe. Listed below are some safety tips to help make your Halloween more enjoyable and safe:

Walk safely

Children younger than 12 should trick-or-treat and cross streets with an adult. Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.

Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross. Walk – don’t run – across the street.

Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.

Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.

Children younger than age 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

Choose costumes both creative and safe

When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.

Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.

Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.

Double check candy and costumes

Check treats for signs of tampering before children are allowed to eat them.

Remind children to eat only treats in their original, unopened wrappers.

Candy should be thrown away if the wrapper is faded or torn, or if the candy is unwrapped.

Drive extra safe on Halloween

Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.

Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.

Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic, and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.

Sgt. Louis Grindle

Maitland Police Department