Halloween safety

For the first time in a long, long time, every Lake County community save one has scheduled trick-or-treat hours on Saturday, Oct. 31, the real Halloween. Which means little goblins, devils and vampires will be roaming their respective neighborhoods seeking treats. That being the case, it seems like a good time to remind parents of safety issues involved in trick-or- treating. Lake County has been fortunate over the years in that children have been safe and vandalism has been at a minimum.

However, police in most towns will have extra police on the streets in both marked and unmarked vehicles to make sure the safety records remain intact. They suggest a number of ways parents can ensure Halloween trick-or-treaters are protected from harm.

Such as having a responsible adult or older teen accompany trick-or- treaters. Make sure they walk to each house and not drive. Which brings up a point of staying in one's own neighborhood. Also, instruct children never to enter a stranger's home -- even if invited.

Costumes should be simple, fireproof and easily seen at night. With dusk close to 6 p.m. now, flashlights should be brandished by trick-or- treaters. Make sure kids can see through their masks.

Authorities also warn parents should screen treats after treaters get home, including inspecting wrappers for signs of tampering. We don't like to scare anybody, but stranger things have happened on Halloween.

Better safe than sorry, we say. A safe Halloween is a fun Halloween for all.

OUR VIEW