Clayton News Daily

By Ed Brock

Halloween is scary enough without potential hazards, so once again Clayton County police and others are urging trick-or-treaters and trick-or-treatees to be safe.

"Just use caution and common sense," Clayton County Police Capt. Jeff Turner said.

Trick-or-treaters should always travel in groups and go to places they know, Turner said. They should stay out of dark places as well.

Drivers should be alert to the presence of children in the street.

"Especially use caution within the neighborhoods," Turner said.

The Teacher's Insurance Plan urges people to go trick-or-treating during the daylight hours since Halloween falls on a Sunday this year and the children are out of school.

Children should be told not to eat unwrapped candy or treat until they return home and their parents can see the treats, and they recommend feeding the children before they go out to discourage nibbling.

Costumes should include reflective tape or brightly colored material to make them more visible and make up should be used instead of masks so the children's sight is not hindered.

Homeowners should clear their yards of anything that can be tripped over, avoid decorations with open flames and leave a front porch or other light on.

Pets should be kept inside and children told to avoid animals while they go door to door, according to the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.

The IIABA also recommends using costumes made from flame resistant material.