TEMPLE, Texas — Halloween is here, marking a night for spooky films, creative costumes, and a night for candy collection for the kids.
However, being safe while out trick-or-treating is equally as important as the festivities themselves.
Here are some tips about how to safely enjoy the spookiest night of the year from different police departments across central Texas, including the Temple Police Department, Burleson Police Department, Lampasas Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
It's important to stay in familiar neighborhoods, stay within a group, and to have planned the route before going out. Additionally, if they are old enough to go out without supervision, then make sure that your child knows their way back home.
Children should have glow sticks, reflective tape, or flashlights to help see better in the dark and to allow drivers on the road to see them. Their costumes also should not affect vision or their ability to move well. A large, solid mask or lengthy outfit could influence such things.
As is recommended during the daytime, it's recommended to always look both ways before crossing the street and use crosswalks when possible.
For those going out, keep in touch with someone on a regular basis. Set aside time to check in with a parent or guardian or use location-sharing apps are easy ways to keep trick-or-treaters safe.
Lastly, drivers on the road are strongly encouraged to drive carefully at all times. Those who will be drinking, like any other evening, are recommended to have a plan to get home safely by utilizing ride share services like Uber or having a designated driver.