Here are some tips that Lewisville Police Department has for you and your kiddos, to help keep them safe on Halloween night.

▪ Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

▪ Plan a trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets.

▪ Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. WALK and don’t run from house to house.

▪ Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

▪ Be careful when you cross a street. Make sure to look in both directions and make sure that there are no cars coming. If you have a little brother or sister with you, take their hand and help them get across the street, too. If the street has a stop light, wait until the cross walk light tells you that it is okay to cross now, but still check before you cross, look both ways.

▪ Choose bright costumes, and have children carry flashlights or glow sticks so they are easily visible. (Hint – Try adding reflective tape to costumes and candy bags!)

▪ Never, ever go into a strangers house or even ring their door for treats unless your parents are with you and say that it’s okay.

▪ Always walk younger children to the door to receive treats.

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

▪ Never accept rides from strangers.

▪ Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.

▪ Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.

▪ Make sure children know your cellphone number, their home telephone number, and address in case you are separated.

▪ Consider giving them a cellphone so they can reach you easily.

▪ Teach children how to call 911 in an emergency.

▪ Teach children to say “NO!” in a loud voice if someone tries to get them to go somewhere, accept anything other than a treat, or leave with them. Tell them to try everything they can to escape, including yelling, hitting, and kicking.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Jim