Louisiana State Police Give Safety Tips For This Halloween

To keep everyone safe this Halloween, the State Police have released some safety tips for trick-or-treaters, parents, and motorists alike.

We've given you trick-or-treat times for the Acadiana area, as well as where NOT to trick-or-treat with a list of sex offenders in the Acadiana area. The State Police have put together a list of safety tips for this Halloween.

As Trick-or-Treaters take to the streets and neighborhoods, parents and guardians should remain vigilant for possible hazardous or dangerous situations. To make sure that your Halloween is a safe and memorable day for everyone, we recommend following these safety tips:

• Ensure that your child carries a flashlight or glow stick and/or wears something reflective to alert drivers of the child’s location.

• Masks can restrict vision and breathing, face painting is a safe option.

• Costumes should fit children correctly and not drag the ground, which could create a tripping hazard.

• Children should be accompanied by adults/parents and should not be allowed to enter homes or vehicles without their supervision.

• Plan your trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets.

• Always walk on sidewalks when available.  If walking on the street is necessary, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.

• Children should also know their address, phone number, and how to dial 911 for emergencies.  Young children should have this information attached somewhere on their costume in the event they get separated or lost.

• Parents are urged to inspect all candy for safety after returning home.

Motorists should also use caution this Halloween weekend.  With all the trick or treating excitement, children may inadvertently dart across the street into the path of moving vehicles.  Because of this, motorists are being asked to not only drive with extreme caution, but also to drive extra slow in neighborhoods and residential areas. By driving with headlights on during daylight hours, children, as well as other vehicles, are more likely to see them from greater distances.

The Louisiana State Police wishes everyone a safe and festive Halloween weekend!!

Make this Halloween safe, and memorable!