Know the tricks to make this Halloween a treat

There are plenty of things to be scared of on Halloween, but with a little planning parents can make sure the holiday is safe and fun one.

"Halloween can be a lot of fun for parents and kids alike, if everybody remembers the tricks and treats of playing it safe," Marshall Police Chief Jim Simmerman said.

Simmerman said parental supervision is a key to Halloween safety.

Not only should parents accompany their children as they trick or treat, but they should also be familiar with every house and with all people from which their children receive treats.

A new survey commissioned by the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America found that 65 percent of those households that do allow children to go trick-or-treating have had children go to the homes of people they don't know.

"While it's not always possible to know the exact whereabouts of your children, parents should try to know as much as possible about the trick-or-treat route before the start of Halloween activities," said Madelyn Flannagan, IIABA vice president of education and research.

Simmerman said parents should also warn their children not to go inside a home without getting permission from Mom or

Dad and to be wary when approaching any vehicle unless they know the owner.

Once the basic safety rules are established, parents' next job is to make sure their children's costumes are safe. Simmerman said parents should make sure that all children carry a glow stick or wear reflective clothing. When using facial masks, children should be able to see and breathe properly and easily. All purchased costumes and masks should be clearly marked as flame resistant.

Flannagan said IIABA surveys have shown that the number of parents using safe costumes is actually quite high.

"The bad news is that there are still too many children wearing potentially unsafe costumes. By not being visible, trick-or-treaters are at risk from drivers who may not be able to see at night when children are making rounds in their neighborhoods," Flannagan said. "Also, with children possibly being exposed to candles in pumpkins and other decorative fixtures, flammable costumes should be avoided completely."

Simmerman and Flannagan agree that parents need to inspect every treat their child receives. Parents should inspect all treats and

dispose of anything that has been opened, has never been wrapped or seems to have been tampered with, Simmerman said.

"Unfortunately, we live in a society where an innocent-looking piece of candy can cause a great deal of harm to a child," Flannagan said.

Parents in Marshall wishing to receive additional safety tips can tune in to Time Warner Cable TV for the "McGruff on Halloween" safety program. Simmerman said the 15-minute program is good for both parents and children to watch before Halloween. It will air Thursday, Oct. 28, and Friday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 30, at 5 p.m. and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31.

Those who welcome trick-or-treaters to their homes can also help to make the evening safer and protect themselves in the process.

Flannagan said property owners can deter vandalism by keeping outdoor lights on. It is also a good idea to remove lawn furniture, or any other obstacles, from the area to avoid accidents or damage. To avoid trick-or-treaters' injuries on their property, people should also ensure their homes' entries are in good condition, free of loose or broken pieces on stairwells and walkways.

A good way to prevent fires is to make sure pumpkins and other decorative items containing candles are placed at a distance where a child's costume cannot be ignited. Additional tips include extinguishing all candles before going to bed, and using battery-operated lights wherever possible.

"People should know that they may be responsible for accidents that happen on their property," Flannagan said. "While homeowners' or renters' insurance will protect you in the event that trick-or-treaters are injured on your property, homeowners should avoid potential liability claims by making their properties as hazard-free as possible."

Trick-or-treating options

* The Marshall Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring an early evening of trick-or-treating on Thursday, Oct. 28. Businesses on and around the Marshall square will welcome trick-or-treaters from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

* The Marshall fire and police departments will distribute treats on Halloween at their respective stations on West Arrow. Children are welcome to stop by, either in or out of costume.

* For an alternative to trick-or-treating, the Salt Fork YMCA is planning its biggest Halloween party ever. Angie Courtney, youth and family program director, said the event will be held Halloween night from 6 to 9 p.m. Open to everyone in the community, the party will feature a huge inflatable for kids to bounce in, 14 games, a dunking booth and a costume contest at 8 p.m. Gift certificates will be given to the contest winners.

Courtney said the idea behind the party is to put the Y's mission statement into action by providing a safe, Christian environment for families. As such, children wishing to attend will need to bring an adult. Courtney said the kids will also need a treat bag as they will get more candy than they can eat.

The party was funded in part by the YMCA's Strong Kids campaign.

Contact Chris Post at

marshallhealth@socket.net