From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
Trick or Treating is always a fun time for children and to make sure it is enjoyable and safe, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office has made some suggestions.
•Children should go out during daylight hours only, unless accompanied by a responsible adult.
•Small children should never be allowed to go out alone.
•If you let a child go out without adult supervision, make sure that child is old enough and responsible enough to go out alone or with other kids. Plan a route so you will know where the child is at all times.
•Stay in well lighted areas — do not cut through alleys and fields.
•Stop only at familiar houses in your own neighborhood.
•Instruct children not to eat any treats until they are brought home and examined by you.
•This is good time to teach kids basic everyday safety such as not getting into cars or talking to strangers, watching both ways before crossing streets and crossing when the lights indicate.
•When picking out a costume, make sure it is fire proof and the eye holes should be large enough for peripheral vision.
•Make sure if the child is carrying a prop, such as a knife or pitchfork, that the tips are smooth and flexible enough to not cause injury if fallen on.
•If you set jack-o-lanterns with candles in them, make sure they are far enough from the children so the costumes won’t be set on fire.
The Sheriff’s Office said it was a time when they may be more prone to accidents or injuries because of the excitement, and they may forget to be careful. Simple common sense can prevent many of those.
