With ghosts, ghouls and goblins out and about visiting houses on Monday, Oct. 31 in hopes of getting sweet treats, dangers can lurk when you least expect it. The following are simple tips to bring peace of mind and avoid a real scare this Halloween.
Most local subdivisions participating in door-to-door trick-or-treating start between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and conclude by 8 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. (it is a school night, after all).
Plant City Police Department (PCPD) sergeant Tiffany Lindsey-Tester offered advice for chaperones.
“We ask that if parents are driving their children to neighborhoods to please park on the street, not in the grass, and to not block driveways,” said Tester.
Also, instead of staying in your vehicle and slowly lurking behind your costumed kiddos like a stalker, get out and walk with them down the street. The weather is forecast to be in the 70’s with light winds so it will be a great night for a little exercise before indulging in some treats from your kids’ candy buckets.
“Following behind your children in a vehicle is dangerous because of the number of people walking through the neighborhood and creates unnecessary traffic for the homeowners in the area,” she said.
Only visit homes that have turned on a front porch light and/or decorated for the holiday; this means they’re open and game to dish out treats. Avoid taking shortcuts through backyards.
Plan a safe strategy of stopping by all the houses on one side of the street, crossing the street at a crosswalk and then working your way back up the other side. Carrying a flashlight or wearing glow stick necklaces or bracelets will help make trick-or-treaters visible after it gets dark but remind children not to chew on or open glow sticks. The liquid inside can irritate the eyes, throat and skin.
As your costumed kiddos’ candy bags get filled, don’t let them eat treats that aren’t received in their original, unopened wrappers. Unless they’re from trusted family or friends, discard homemade treats.
If you are the trick-or-treatee instead of the trick-or-treater, keep your home safe by removing tripping hazards and keeping your front porch clear of anything a child could trip over, sweeping wet leaves from sidewalks and steps to prevent anyone from slipping on them and restraining pets so they don’t jump on or bite unsuspecting visitors.
Want an alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating? Here’s a short list of local schools and businesses offering plenty of fun for the kiddos on Monday as well that will be sure to satisfy their candy cravings:
•Trick or Treating at local Publix stores, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
•Liberty Southern Baptism Church Trunk-or-Treat, 2505 W. Granfeld Ave., 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., free food and game •First Baptist Church of P.C. Fall Festival, 3309 James L. Redman Parkway, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., free event with music, inflatables, popcorn, hayrides and a free meal for every pre-registered child donated by Johnson’s BBQ
•Cork Methodist Church Trunk-or-Treat, 4815 West Sam Allen Rd., 6 p.m.- 8 p.m., free event with dinner and trunk-or-treating
• Eastside Baptist Church Trunk-or-Treat, 1318 E. Calhoun St., 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.