Officials: For Halloween on Long Island, first safety, then fun
Nassau and Suffolk police have offered tips for Halloween trick-or-treaters and their families to ensure an evening of safe, spooky fun. Credit: Howard Simmons
Halloween evening is likely to return to it's pre-pandemic excitement this year after two years of curtailed trick-or-treating.
But with the spooky and silly fun comes the responsibility of keeping the littlest princesses, superheros, witches and goblins safe.
Officials in Nassau and Suffolk counties are urging motorist to be on the lookout for children crossing streets at midblock rather than at corners or crosswalks, and an overall increase in pedestrians.
Children are four times more likely to die in a traffic accident on Halloween evening compared with the same time period all other nights of the year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
More than 2,700 Halloween injuries occur each year, according to the agency.
Here are some safety tips from the counties' police departments for a safe Halloween night:
- Pedestrians should cross at crosswalks or at a corner.
- Motorists should obey traffic laws.
- Stay in groups and have an adult present.
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Children should stay within familiar areas and surroundings. Parents should establish a route for children.
- Wear clothing that is bright, reflective and flame-retardant; Wear short clothing that prevents tripping.
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Avoid toy weapons — if desired, use costume knives and swords that are flexible, not rigid.
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Check candy for signs of tampering and be aware of food allergies. When children bring treats home, parents or guardians should inspect the bounty before any is eaten.
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Children should never go into homes; stay on the porch or stoop when asking for treats.
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Homeowners should ensure that their walkways are cleared of debris on which children may trip and fall.
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Adults should only give and accept wrapped or packaged candy.
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Children should know their home phone number and their parents' cellphone numbers.
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Anyone with questions about suspicious looking treats should call the police.
Candice Ferrette covers Nassau County government and politics on Long Island. She has been a reporter at Newsday since 2011.
