Be safe on Halloween

Halloween falls on a Friday this year, which may increase the excitement - and vulnerability - of some young trick-or-treaters. Adults, too, may need extra warning, as irresponsible celebrating can quickly spoil a fun evening.

The Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon State Police are urging parents, children and motorists to take special care this holiday weekend to be alert and drive sober.

"Our youngest population is going to be excited about getting out and getting their treats, which leaves little or no consideration for cars or other potential dangers," said Sue Riehl, Youth and Impaired Driving Program manager for ODOT's Transportation Safety Division. "Parents can help in a lot of ways, such as putting reflective stickers on costumes and teaching children to walk and watch, not run, as they make their way through the neighborhood."

Local law enforcement officers will also be on the lookout out for 'scary' drivers as part of the aggressive "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest" national campaign over the weekend.

This Halloween the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office wants to help make your ghoulish celebration safe and fun by increasing awareness and safety and by providing free glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark pencils, trick-or-treat bags and safety tips. These items are available during business hours while supplies last at the Sisters Sheriff's Substation, 703 N. Larch St., Sisters.

Tips for parents:

Children should accept treats only at the doorway of homes. Children should never enter a stranger's home. Children should never accept rides from strangers.

Children should never take shortcuts through backyards, construction areas or alley ways.

Children should travel in groups of 3-5 people if an adult is not accompanying them.

Set a time limit for your children to be out on Halloween night. Adult escorts and children should carry flashlights.

Children should have all treats carefully inspected before eating them. All fruit treats should be discarded unless you know the person handing them out.

For safety reasons, children should walk and never run during trick-or-treating. Props such as toy guns or swords should be made of pliable material to prevent serious injuries. Realistic replica firearms should NEVER be used.

Masks should only be worn if they are properly fitted and provide unobstructed breathing and visibility. Children should always use sidewalks and not streets for walking.

Children should look in all directions before crossing the street. Attaching retro-reflective tape, fabric, or decorative patches to costumes and/or trick-or-treat bags allows children to be more visible at night.

Reminders for motorists:

Drivers should be particularly alert on Halloween night and watch for children on streets, alleys, crosswalks and driveways. Motorists should slow down while driving through residential areas, and should especially be aware of the increased number of children walking in neighborhoods.

This is an exciting time for children and the potential for kids to dart out into traffic is heightened. Motorists should be extremely careful backing out of driveways and parking lots. Children, especially the small ones, are hard to see at night. Drivers should make sure their path is clear to avoid any avoidable accidents.

Halloween is an ideal time for social events. If drivers intend to celebrate, the Sheriff's Office would like to remind them not to drink and drive. All motorists should have a designated driver or should call a taxi.

General safety tips:

Candlelit jack-o-lanterns should be avoided to prevent accidental fires with costumes. If jack-o-lanterns are candlelit inside of a residence, make sure they are kept away from flammable material, curtains and decorations.

Creepy contact lenses have become popular in recent years, such as cat eyes or snake eyes. Improper use and clear contact lenses can lead to painful eye infections and even vision loss. False eyelashes and costume makeup can also irritate eyes; follow the package directions on how to apply and remove safely.

Makeup should be used in place of masks; they can obstruct children's vision and can be dangerous when crossing streets, going up and down steps.

Only purchase costumes that are flame retardant, so children are not in danger near burning decorative objects.

Keep pets inside your home, or another safe place on Halloween night. Trick-or-treaters should avoid animals or pets which may become upset by masks and costumes.