Keeping Halloween spooky but safe

Folks in Sisters Country are getting set for Halloween, one of the most exciting times of the year for children.

B.J.'s Ice Cream hosted a pumpkin-carving event last Saturday, and plans are in place for the annual Sisters Halloween Parade presented by Sisters Rotary and the Sisters Library. The bewitching hour is 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 31. Ghosts and goblins ages 1-7 and parents are invited to join the parade through town; costumes are required. Participants are requested to bring one canned food item to support the Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank. Participants must pre-register and sign a release form (pick up at the Sisters Library or Sisters Elementary School). For information call library staff at 541-312-1072 or

541-410-9070.

Nearly 94 percent of children between the ages of 4 and 12 participate in Halloween activities each year.

Oregon State Police offer basic safety precautions that will help make Halloween and "Trick-or-Treating" a safer night of fun:

• Choose bright, flame-retardant costumes or add reflective tape to costumes and candy bags so children are easily seen in the dark. In addition, carry a glow stick or flashlight.

• Plan a trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets. Avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods, streets that are isolated, or homes that are poorly lit inside or

outside.

• Never send young children out alone. They should always be accompanied by a parent or another trusted adult. Older children should always travel in groups.

• Always walk younger children to the door to receive treats and don't let children enter a home unless you are with them.

• Be sure children do not approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless you are with them.

• Discuss basic pedestrian safety rules that children should use when walking to and from houses.

• Consider organizing a home or community party as an alternative to trick-or-treating.

• Make sure children know their home phone number and address in case you get separated. Teach children how to call 911 in an emergency.

• Teach children to say "NO!" or "this is not my mother/father" in a loud voice if someone tries to get them to go somewhere, accept anything other than a treat, or leave with them. And teach them that they should make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming and resisting.

• Remind children to remain alert and report suspicious incidents to parents and/or law enforcement.