Happy Halloween! Stay Safe With These Helpful Tips

Trick or treat. Smell my feet. Give me something good to eat. Just leave the poisoned candy and razor-blade apples in the pantry.

This Halloween, as all Halloweens, we should take extra precautions to be safe. While it’s the biggest, bestest holiday for the kiddos, it’s also open season for creeps, pervs, thieves and vandals. Here are a few tips we’ve cobbled together to ensure you have a safe and happy Halloween.

• Trick-or-treaters should always have adult supervision, even if they are traveling with a group of friends.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times; be familiar with the neighborhood you plan on visiting.
• Avoid poorly-lit areas and homes of people you do not know.
• Avoid displaying your valuables or electronic devices.
• Thieves will use this holiday to hide behind a mask to commit crimes.
• Do not use your cellphones when crossing streets.
• Place emergency identification information discreetly inside clothing of small children, in case of accidental separation.
• Halloween treats should only be consumed if they are packaged appropriately in their original, unopened packages. Avoid homemade or unpackaged treats.
• Avoid hallways and deserted areas that are dimly lit.
• Do not enter a stranger’s home or car.
• Walk on the sidewalk and not in the street.
• Do not wear costumes that block your view.
• Do not wear clothing or accessories that suggest that you are affiliated with a gang.
• Carry flashlights and wear reflective clothing at night.
• Explain to children of all ages the difference between tricks and vandalism which could be a criminal offense.

If you feel that you are in any kind of danger, look for houses of worship, stores or places of business where you can go in case of an emergency, and where you can access help and information. Try not to be alone at any time.

As usual, one more: if you’re the parent of a teenager in Gerritsen Beach, lock up the hammers and potatoes this year.