Prescott Arizona News and Events - Read It News Magazine

From the Prescott Police Department:

Mt. Vernon trick or treating activities:

Mt. Vernon will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at 4:00 pm until at least 9:00 pm on Friday, October 31. Vehicle traffic will be re-routed for the majority of the evening. There will be a large police presence in the neighborhood this evening to provide safety for those in the area.

Homeowners:

• Please keep your lights on and clear walkways of obstacles so your guests won't stumble on your property.
• Please confine your pets for their safety and that of your guests.
• Please offer only store-bought, securely wrapped treats to your visitors.
• Please do not leave candles unattended, especially in pumpkins that may get knocked over by your guests.
• Do not invite strangers into your home for any reason.

Report any suspicious activity to Prescott Police Department as soon as possible.

Parents:

• Please escort your little ones during their treat collections.
• Make sure they are wearing fire-resistant costumes with reflective tape on them.
• Utilize costume accessories that are short, soft, flexible, and safe. This applies especially to swords, knives, and toy guns.
• Please provide flashlights or glow sticks for your children so they can be seen by others, especially drivers.
• Make sure your kids use caution when crossing streets by slowing down and looking both ways. Encourage them to stay on the sidewalks whenever possible.
• Make sure kids have communication, such as a cell phone, and utilize the "buddy system". Do not allow children to trick or treat alone.
• Ensure older children, without parental escorts, have a pre-set curfew and a pre-determined route.Instruct your children not to enter anyone's home while trick or treating.
• Remind your children to refrain from eating their treats until they are home and it has been checked for safety and lack of tampering.

Drivers:

• Please drive with extreme caution this evening. Keep in mind the little ones are very distracted and may not be cautious.
• Look for trick or treaters crossing mid-block and running between parked cars.
• Keep yours eyes posted for children in dark clothing.

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

More tips from the Prescott Valley Police Department:

Halloween is this Friday October 31, 2008 and I want all to remember some safety rules.

• If you set jack-o-lanterns on your porch with candles in them, make sure that they are far enough out of the way so that kid’s costumes won't accidentally be set on fire.
• Make sure that if your child is carrying a prop, such as a scythe, butcher knife or a pitchfork, that the tips are smooth and flexible enough to not cause injury if fallen on.
• Treating your kids to a spooky Halloween dinner will make them less likely to eat the candy they collect before you have a chance to check it for them.
• Teaching your kids basic everyday safety such as not getting into cars or talking to strangers, watching both ways before crossing streets and crossing when the lights tell you to, will help make them safer when they are out Trick or Treating.
• Plan a safe route so parents know where their older kids will be at all times. Set a time for their return home. Make sure that your child is old enough and responsible enough to go out with friends.
• Let your children know not to cut through back alleys and fields. Make sure they know to stay in populated places and don't go off the beaten track. Stay in well lighted areas.
• Stop only at familiar houses in your own neighborhood or places that your parents know.
• Small children should never be allowed to go out alone on Halloween. Make sure an older sibling or adult is with them.
• Instruct your children not to eat any treats until they bring them home to be examined by you. If you are suspicious of anything, throw it out or call the Police if it has been tampered with.
• Instruct your child to never go into the home of a stranger or get into their car.
• Make sure your child carries a flashlight, glow stick or has reflective tape on their costume to make them more visible to cars.
• Let them know that they should stay together as a group if going out to Trick or Treat without an adult.

And don’t forget alternative activities such as your Church or the Boys and Girls Club in your area.

(You can find many safe, family friendly Halloween activies in the special Halloween section of our Events Calendar).

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