The following was written by the Vancouver Police Department:
October is National Crime Prevention Month and the Vancouver Police Department reminds you to take time to brush up on some crime prevention tips by visiting our website at http://www.vanpolice.org/.
To ensure that trick-or-treaters, you and your house stay safe, Remember:
- Clear your yard and sidewalk of any obstacles or decorations that may be hard to see in the dark.
- Keep your house well-lighted, both inside and out.
- Ask your Neighborhood Watch or invite the Neighbors on Watch (NOW) group to patrol your neighborhood.
- Report any suspicious or criminal activity to 9-1-1.
- Try makeup instead of masks. It's more comfortable and doesn't obstruct vision the way masks can.
- Check to ensure that costumes are flame-retardant so that kids are safe around jack-o-langerns, candles and other flames.
- Keep costumes short to ensure that the only trip taken is the one around the neighborhood.
- Look for brightly colored costumes, attach reflector strips to costumes and bags, and remind trick-or-treaters to carry glow sticks and flashlights.
- If a costume involves any sort of fake weapon, make sure that it is made of a flexible material such as cardboard or foam and that it is obvious that it is not real. No realistic looking weapons should ever be a part of a costume!
- Kids of all ages should trick-or-treat in groups; kids walking around along are never as safe as those in groups, and especially not at night. Younger kids should be accompanied by a parent or trusted adult.
- Review the route for trick-or-treating beforehand and set a time when kids should be home. Also, have a plan if your child gets separated from his or her friends or from you.
- Remind your children never to enter strange houses or cars.
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